Meinl Siam Oak String Cajon with Makah-Burl Frontplate (Used)
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- #445096000000000
Slamming sounds and beautiful to behold.
Meinl adorns this string cajon with a beautiful Makah-burl frontplate that graces its Siam oak body. The padded seat and adjustable top corners on the Meinl Cajon allow for customizing the amount of "snap."
The cajon is an authentic Afro-Cuban wooden box percussion instrument. Meinl cajons are completely handmade from start to finish. They work perfectly for flamenco or world music and deliver a wide range of sounds, from loud, deep bass tones to cutting high overtones. Drummers and percussionists appreciate the cajon for its diversity of sound. They're also perfect for unplugged gigs or sessions.
The cajon is one of today's most popular percussion instruments because it very easy to play, and provides a great feel and rhythmic foundation to any musical situation. It is fun to experiment with and is popular in literally every musical genre as it is often used during unplugged gigs or softer songs to replace an entire drum kit.
After just a little practice, basic beats and grooves can be achieved. It can be used by drummers as a substitute for their throne, playing on it with one hand, while the other hand keeps time on the ride or the hi-hat.
Many drummers also use the cajon during unplugged gigs, certain songs, or spontaneous sessions as its ability to emulate many sounds serves as an excellent substitute for a complete drum set.
Traditionally, cajons are played by sitting on the padded top of the box while slightly leaning backwards. The frontplate is struck with the bare hands. Various playing techniques help to create different sounds ranging from deep bass tones to cutting highs and slaps.
A nice effect can be achieved by sliding the foot up and down the frontplate when playing the cajon, in effect changing the pitch of its tone.
A unique and inspiring sound is achieved when playing the cajon's frontplate with a pair of brushes or rods.
The history of the cajon
The cajon, which is the Spanish word for box, has been part of Afro-Peruvian music since the 19th cfentury. The instrument originated in colonial Peru, when the slaves, whose African drums had been forbidden by their masters, used wooden boxes intended to hold fruits or overturned drawers to play their rhythms on. Later the cajon was officially added to the instrumentation of the vals criollo, or "creole waltz." It is now a national emblem for Peruvians, and an indispensable part of any ensemble that performs the traditional folk music of Peru.
The cajon's later development can be clearly traced back to one man, the flamenco guitar player Paco de Lucia. In the early 1970s, the Spanish embassy in Lima, Peru hosted a party for Paco de Lucia, where they had a traditional Peruvian band perform utilizing the cajon. Flamenco music comprises many different rhythms which are normally played by the guitar player striking the body of the guitar. At that party, Paco de Lucia asked his former percussionist Ruben Danta to play the "Buleria" on the cajon, which is one of the rhythms used in flamenco. Consequently, Paco de Lucia took the cajon with him back to Spain. The short staccato sounds that can be played on the cajon make it perfect for flamenco music, because that sound naturally relates to the footwork and hand-claps ("palmas") used in Flamenco. Since the cajon's historic migration from Peru to Spain, its use has spread worldwide.
Features
- Beautiful Makah-burlwood frontplate
- Siam oak resonating body
- Built-in sizzle effect
- Padded seat
- Adjustable top corners for customizing the amount of "snap"
- Wide sound options
- Matt finish
The sounds of Afro-Peru delivered to your door! Order today.
Siam Oak String Cajon with Makah-Burl Frontplate Specifications:
- 19-1/2"H x 11-3/4"W x 11-3/4"L
Review Snapshot®
by PowerReviews(based on 21 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Great sound (3)
Cons
Best Uses
- Small venues (3)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Experienced (4)
Most Liked Positive Review
Great acoustic drum!
I play for a small church and use this beautiful cajon. I bought it at a guitar center so i could hear it and try it out first and i was completely sold! Sounds ...Read complete review
I play for a small church and use this beautiful cajon. I bought it at a guitar center so i could hear it and try it out first and i was completely sold! Sounds great indoors and out. I've played it mic'd and honestly you don't need it, this drum sounds great raw. The drum comes with an alan wrench to tune the snares, and an amazing finish. I've had it for about 2 years and i still love it!
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Questionable Craftsmanship
Although I like the sound and the tone of this cajon, the craftsmanship was somewhat lacking. Upon arrival, there were two separate places on the top and side where the laminate had started separating...Read complete review
Although I like the sound and the tone of this cajon, the craftsmanship was somewhat lacking. Upon arrival, there were two separate places on the top and side where the laminate had started separating. In addition, I question the longevity of the internal workings of the cajon due to the less than satisfactory craftsmanship. Also, the Makah-Burl looks much better in the pictures than it does in real life. I know it's basically stained plywood but my expectations were a little higher based off the pictures.
Overall, I've enjoyed playing the cajon during the short time I've owned it but only time will tell whether it will stand the test of time.
Reviews
Reviewed by 21 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-10
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Pros
- Great Look
- Great Sound
- Responsive
- Sensitive
Cons
Best Uses
- Bars
- Jam
- Practice
- Recording
- Small Clubs
Comments about Meinl Siam Oak String Cajon with Makah-Burl Frontplate:
This is my first cajon and I am extremely happy with it! It sounds amazing when playing in a sound proof room and even more amazing when I have it miced up playing on stage in bars. It has just the right amount of sound when playing with two acoustic guitars.
If you are considering buying this, do it! You will not regret it.
Pros
- Anyone Can Play It
- My Friends Love It
- Versatile
- Very Responsive
Cons
Best Uses
- Accompaniment
- School Bands
- Small Venues
- Youth Group Bands
Comments about Meinl Siam Oak String Cajon with Makah-Burl Frontplate:
I do not own this specific cajon, but I play on one with my youth group's worship band, and it is the best cajon I have ever played. The Makah-Burl frontplate not only looks amazing, but is thin enough so I don't have to whale on it in order to bring out its pleasantly rich tones. That really helps me get through a gig without having to stop because my hands are sore. The bass tones I get from hitting towards the middle of the playing surface are the best I've ever heard from ANY cajon, and the crisp, cutting snare sounds from hitting the upper corners are just as great! It is also very easy to tune the snare wires. I would recommend this cajon any day!
Pros
- Great Sound
Cons
- Poorly Made
Best Uses
- Small Venues
Comments about Meinl Siam Oak String Cajon with Makah-Burl Frontplate:
Although I like the sound and the tone of this cajon, the craftsmanship was somewhat lacking. Upon arrival, there were two separate places on the top and side where the laminate had started separating. In addition, I question the longevity of the internal workings of the cajon due to the less than satisfactory craftsmanship. Also, the Makah-Burl looks much better in the pictures than it does in real life. I know it's basically stained plywood but my expectations were a little higher based off the pictures.
Overall, I've enjoyed playing the cajon during the short time I've owned it but only time will tell whether it will stand the test of time.
Pros
- Great Sound
- Responsive
- Sensitive
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Accompaniment
- Jazz Clubs
- Small Venues
Comments about Meinl Siam Oak String Cajon with Makah-Burl Frontplate:
I received this for my birthday from my parents. I love it! The different tones you can get from it are versatile and resonant. The snare side is an excellent feature. Can't wait to use it with my band!
Comments about Meinl Siam Oak String Cajon with Makah-Burl Frontplate:
I just ordered this cajon last Saturday (April 7th), it was on my doorstep on Tuesday afternoon. Very fast shipping! I got this as a present for my husband and he absolutely loved it. I was kind of skeptical about ordering the product after reading some reviews on this website, however, I am very happy with the product and service from Musician's Friend.
Comments about Meinl Siam Oak String Cajon with Makah-Burl Frontplate:
I was really looking forward to giving this cajon to my son for his birthday. When he openned it, right away, I noticed that it did not have the Burl Frontplate as pictured. My son really liked the sound quality of the cajon so we did not return it. I am still disappointed with it however because I really liked the more dressy frontplate. The one I received looks like stained plywood. Just a caution for those buying for the looks.
Not as pictured
My son is very happy with his cajon.
Comments about Meinl Siam Oak String Cajon with Makah-Burl Frontplate:
Bought this drum for my son as a Christmas present. He loves it. The burled wood frontplate is just gorgeous and it has a good poppin' sound. He's still playing with it to discover how the bass response stacks up, but so far, it seems like a really great drum.
It's a great value, with features usually found on more expensive drums. I compared it to lots of other cajons, and it really stacked up well for less money.
Comments about Meinl Siam Oak String Cajon with Makah-Burl Frontplate:
It makes breakfast for me in the morning.
I love it. My first cajon. Played it at my first gig EVER last Saturday and it sounded phenomenal. I just threw a mic in it. Buy it. Plus it looks cool.
Comments about Meinl Siam Oak String Cajon with Makah-Burl Frontplate:
I play for a small church and use this beautiful cajon. I bought it at a guitar center so i could hear it and try it out first and i was completely sold! Sounds great indoors and out. I've played it mic'd and honestly you don't need it, this drum sounds great raw. The drum comes with an alan wrench to tune the snares, and an amazing finish. I've had it for about 2 years and i still love it!
Comments about Meinl Siam Oak String Cajon with Makah-Burl Frontplate:
i bought this cajon as for my first percussion instrument.i like this cajon because it has a great snare sound, beautiful finish and adjustable corner screws for a good snap. I would really recommend this to a beginner or a professional percussionist.
