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Cajon Drums at Drum Center of Portsmouth
What are the best cajons?
Cajons are striking instruments due to their deep bass sounds and well-balanced high tones. That said, the list below gives some guidelines on what to look for when searching for the best cajon.
- Size - traditional cajons have a box height of about 1.5-times their width and depth. (~12 inches wide x 18 inches high x 12 2inches deep)
- Thickness - thinner, pliable materials resonate more, enabling them to produce a prolonged sound valued by drum players.
- Joints - stable joint construction on the sides of the cajon determines the durability and sound quality. Internally reinforced or handmade dovetail joints are better than a simple lap or rebated joint.
- Material - harder woods, such as birch, are more sonic, meaning they reverberate the sound waves at a fuller, more pleasing level.
Which cajon is best for beginners?
When first learning to play the cajon, you should probably look for a drum that will introduce you to all the features and possibilities of the instrument without overwhelming you with an overabundance of playing options. A tough balance to strike, indeed.
To give yourself the best learning platform, go for a cajon that’s easily adjustable and sturdy enough to hold your weight, so you won’t have to worry about slipping around while trying to play.
A cajon with a quiet snare mechanism is also an ideal option, as it will introduce you to the possibilities of this drum attachment while also giving you the ability to explore the instrument’s sound without it fully.
Does a cajon need a snare?
Whether or not you want your cajon to include a snare is entirely up to your musical preference.
Many cajons have snares because they produce a certain buzz or rattle tone to the sound that many musicians enjoy. The buzz from the snares pairs well with the bass tones of the cajon, and helps with projection and amplification.
That said, some types of cajons are very purposefully built without snares included. If you are looking for a softer, more subdued tone, then opting for a cajon without a snare is probably the way to go.
Choosing the right cajon can be tricky due to the many construction varieties, customizable options, and brands. Check out the Drum Center of Portsmouth to guide you to the right cajon purchase!
Frequently Asked Questions
Cajons FAQs
What is a cajon?
A cajon is a box-shaped drum from Peru that you sit on and play with your hands. The front face (called the tapa) produces bass tones when struck near the center and snare-like tones when struck near the top edges. Modern cajons often include internal snare wires for a sharper, more snare-drum-like response.
What styles of music use cajons?
Cajons appear in acoustic, flamenco, singer-songwriter, world, jazz, and street performance. Many drummers also add them to standard drum-set setups for color, texture, and rhythmic variation.
What sizes do cajons come in?
Cajons are produced in a range of sizes to suit different tonal ranges, playing styles, and physical setups. Smaller models offer higher pitch and faster response; larger models deliver deeper, more resonant tone.
What materials are cajons made from?
Construction varies by maker but commonly includes wood shells, synthetic shells, and natural or synthetic drum heads. Premium models use specific woods or finishes chosen for their tonal character.
Are cajons good for beginners?
Yes — cajons are approachable instruments that produce satisfying sound right away. Many makers offer entry-level options that play well without lessons, with intermediate and pro models for serious players.
Which cajons brands does DCP carry?
Drum Center of Portsmouth stocks cajons from the leading percussion makers including Meinl, LP, Toca, Schlagwerk, and Gon Bops. Whether you want a single instrument or a complete percussion setup, we have options across price ranges and playing levels.