In recent decades, a musical instrument has conquered the music world, which convinces by a simple design and above all a simple way of playing. That or the Cajon was originally invented by Cuba and Peru slaves from Africa, who used a simple box to replace the traditionally felled drum.

The instrument of the African Slavs

Slaves from Africa, who were deported to Peru or Cuba, used their round, fur-covered drums to maintain and strengthen their sense of community abroad. This togetherness tried to undermine the planter families by taking away the traditional drums from the slaves. As a substitute, people now used boxes that were available for the transport of oranges or fish in large numbers. On the open side a board was laid, on which with hands, sometimes also one broomor a rhythm has been generated on the feet. The basic shape of the Cajon was retained, though it has been refined and improved many times. What is appreciated is the slightly drier sound, which distinguishes the Cajones from fur-covered drums.

Simple construction and easy to play

Cajon comes from Spanish and means translated drawer or wooden box, The body of the Cajon is a wooden box, which is covered with another board and the sides often have a larger opening for the special sound. The instrument is played by putting the player on the box and beating the rhythm with his hand. Depending on the style of music, the sound can also be generated by beating with a broom. Will that be Cajon Used as part of a full drum set, the musicians can choose models with foot pedals. Small versions are clamped between the legs while playing.

Modern forms of the Cajon

The shape of a wooden box has that Cajon to keep. Meanwhile, the musical instrument is no longer produced only in Cuba or in Peru. Many large musical instrument manufacturers, especially in the field of drums and percussion devices, have developed their own models. These include small and large versions and snout-like cajones like the snare Cajon Sela kit included in the game manual and audio CD. Since the structure is very simple, there are also a number of one-man businesses that produce and distribute Cajones on their own. Special forms are the Cajonito, which is only half the size of one Cajon and has a bright sound, and the Cajita, whose sound resembles that of a sound wood. The Schlagwerk is also offered as a kit, which can be put together relatively simply according to instructions. Another well-known manufacturer of Cajones is next to Sela also Thomann.

Cajones for beginners and advanced

The offer of Cajones is huge, so that both beginners and advanced find suitable models. Partly the boxes are so big that take up too much space in small rooms. But they can also be easily used as a stool or sample table, as long as they are not used for music making. The wood carcass can be made of simple wood panels. But there are also Cajones with interesting wood grains or even in a patterned style, which is aimed primarily at young musicians. High-priced models such as the Cajon SE 037 quick set from Sela are suitable for advanced users. They are characterized by a wood veneer and untreated list, which can be used to produce sounds in great variation. For professionals there are high-quality versions such as the Schlagwerk CP 403 Natur 2inOne Cajon, which comes complete with Keepdrum Gig Bag and seat pad. For musicians who are often on the go with the Cajon, kits are recommended because they are much easier to transport. They then only have to be rebuilt at the venue.