The 8 Best Flamenco Cajons of 2022
Flamenco Cajon – Buying Guide, Opinions and Analysis
A flamenco cajon will not only serve you to play Spanish music, but you can do almost any style with it, jazz, rock, pop, bolero, ballad, among others. This is a percussion instrument with a low pitch that can very well simulate the sound of a bass drum. A recommended cajon might be the Meinl TCAJ1BK, which has an extremely compact design, so you can take it on the road with your friends. Another outstanding model is the Corona Percusión D-Personalizado, which has a wooden material and a standard size for greater volume in closed or open places.
The 8 Best Flamenco Cajons – Opinions 2022
Flamenco cajons are very versatile percussion instruments when practicing music at home or with a band. For this reason, in this article we present the reviews of 8 outstanding models, perhaps one of them is the one that best suits your tastes and requirements.
cheap flamenco cajon
1. Meinl TCAJ1BK Flemish Travel Cajon
If you are looking for a cheap flamenco cajon, this model could be useful to you, since it has a fairly affordable price. In addition, it also offers a good sound and is made by the Meinl brand, which is specialized in high-quality percussion products.
And, not only is it one of the cheapest cajons to play flamenco, but it will also be used for improvisations of various styles such as rock, gospel, ballad, pop, etc.
With it you can animate your parties, since you can make different types of peals or musical rhythms. It is even a great ally for your trips, since it does not take up much space, it only measures 30 x 30 x 3.5 cm.
Another aspect that makes this model stand out is that it has holes to project the sound when you play your favorite songs.
This is one of the most comfortable drawers to move anywhere. Therefore, review its main pros and cons, which we present below.
Pros
Design: It has an elegant black design and the Meinl brand stamped on its top cover; It also has holes to project the sound.
Size: It has a fairly compact size to use anytime, anywhere, you can even take it with you on trips.
Functionality: It is not only suitable for practicing flamenco rhythms, but also for live improvisations and ringing in small acoustic bands.
Cons
Volume: Due to its small dimensions, the volume may not be very high, so it will require amplification for touches in large spaces.
Custom Flemish Cajon
2. Corona Percusión Cajón flamenco with name make a gift
This is perhaps the best flamenco cajon to give to a friend, since it is possible to order it with the name of the person on the front cover of the instrument. This is a process carried out by the Corona Percussion brand with laser technology.
For its part, this personalized flamenco cajon has a standard size design and has a tuning system. This means that you can adjust the tension of the string that the cajon has inside. By adjusting the tuning you can find the sound you are looking for for your band, with more or less bass or maybe a little more brightness. The package includes the Allen key for tuning.
It is made with birch plywood, a wood that withstands continuous blows or knocks very well. In addition, this drawer has a wooden reinforcement inside, so that it better supports your weight when you sit on it.
Perhaps it is the best flamenco cajon of the moment, so its pros and cons could help you make the most appropriate purchase.
Pros
Design: Its design shows high quality handcrafted finishes and on the back a hole through which the sound of the instrument comes out.
Materials: The main material is birch plywood and it has a string inside for its respective tuning.
Practicality: Due to its standard size you can play with it in spaces of various sizes.
Cons
Brightness: It is missing that the sound is higher in the upper part of the lid.
Flamenco box La Rosa
3. La Rosa Cajon Flamenco La Rosa mod New Blackie
If you are wondering which is the best flamenco cajon, don’t forget to check out this model from the La Rosa brand, since it is made of birch plywood, a strong and durable wood. In addition, it has an elegant black design and the brand’s logo printed on the front cover.
It has dimensions of 30 x 30 x 47 cm, that is, a standard size for practicing flamenco with your band without any inconvenience, whether indoors or outdoors.
On the other hand, we mention that this La Rosa flamenco cajon has a tuning system with 2 parallel strings, so you can give it the tone that best suits the style you will play. It also has a bass booster and regulator ring, so that it emits a fairly deep sound that accompanies various musical genres very well.
This could be the best brand of flamenco cajons, since it is specialized in this type of instrument and its respective accessories. Here we present the qualities of your Blackie cajon model.
Pros
Wood: It is made with 9mm birch plywood to withstand frequent use.
Color: It is dyed black, which allows it to match the tastes of almost anyone.
Tuning: It has a tuning system of 2 parallel strings, to achieve a better sound.
Cons
Price: Its price is very high compared to other models on the list.
Flamenco box for children
4. Minstrel Cajon Flamenco Infantil Mini for children
This is one of the best flamenco cajons of 2022 for children, since it has dimensions of 30 x 22.0 x 23.5 cm. In addition, it is made of poplar wood, which is resistant and durable.
The front cover of this flamenco cajon for children is 3.5 mm thick, so it can withstand the knocks of the hands of the smallest of the house. It even has parallel strings inside for better acoustic resonance and on the back it has a large hole for the sound to come out.
On the other hand, this could be the best quality-price flamenco box, thanks to its low cost and the non-slip material on its bottom, so that the child can play it on any type of surface without problems.
Its color is natural, but the seller also offers the same model with the lid tinted green. In this way, you can choose the option you want to give to your child.
If you are still wondering which flamenco cajon to buy for a child, this option could be the answer you are looking for. Review its most outstanding pros and cons, to know if your purchase suits you.
Pros
Type: This model is for the exclusive use of the little ones in your house, so they can learn percussion from an early age.
Size: Thanks to its size of 30 x 22.0 x 23.5 cm you can store it in almost any corner of the home.
Material: The body in general is made of poplar and the front cover is made of mukali, which are resistant materials.
Cons
Use: It is recommended for home and non-professional use, however, the child will be able to learn some rhythms with it.
professional flamenco cajon
5. Sela SE 107 Professional drawer with mechanical system
It is a professional flamenco cajon that you can use in your musical practices or concerts, as it is made of fairly thick and resistant birch plywood, specifically, 15 mm. In addition, the front cover where you play your favorite rhythms can be changed when you want to mount another type of wood, since it has screws.
If you want to buy a multifunctional flamenco cajon, this could be the one, since with a red lever that it brings to one side you change the sound from flamenco to Peruvian cajon. In this way, it is possible for you to play various musical genres, depending on your tastes.
In addition to this, we highlight its 11 layers of black paint, which allows the drawer to withstand scratches much more. Likewise, on the front it has an elegant brown with black design and the brand’s logo.
If you are an experienced drawer, you can opt for a model like this. Next, we present its most important qualities.
Pros
Operation: It has a mechanical system that allows you to completely change the sound of the cajon, being useful for playing Spanish, Peruvian, ballad, pop music, etc.
Wood: Its body is made of 15 mm birch plywood, being quite robust and durable.
Corners: The top and bottom corners of the cajon are made of maple, to better withstand unexpected shocks.
Cons
Cover: It would be nice if it included a padded cover for transport and storage.
Children’s flamenco drawer
6. Katho Kt31-Az Children’s Drawer
Do not worry about the price of the Katho flamenco cajon, since it does not have a very high cost. In addition, it has a 9mm birch body, offering a clear and balanced sound. It is an ideal drawer for children between 2 and 9 years old, with a size of 24 x 24 x 32 cm.
It has two stamped hands on the upper part of its lid that can very well be used to indicate to the child which part of the cajon to play. Similarly, we mention that the lid is painted in blue, a very cheerful color that will combine very well with boys and girls.
Likewise, this children’s flamenco cajon allows you to change the front cover if necessary, since it comes with Phillips-type screws, which are very easy to remove. Also, we highlight that it has rounded corners, for the child’s comfort when sitting down to play.
This flamenco cajon is one of the cheapest in the comparison and can be used as a gift for your son or little nephew; here we leave you some of its most outstanding qualities.
Pros
Size: It has dimensions of 24 x 24 x 32 cm, so it will serve children between 2 and 9 years old very well.
Material: Made of 9mm birch plywood, it can withstand continuous use by children.
Color: It comes in blue, but the seller offers other shades, however, you should ask for their availability before buying.
Cons
Cover: It does not come with a storage cover, so you will have to buy it separately.
Pepote flamenco box
7. Pepote Pejal Jaleo Flamenco Cajon
This Pepote flamenco cajon has an attractive design on its front cover that sets it apart from the rest, as the top part is not completely straight and has rounded corners. Likewise, it is a handmade percussion instrument that offers powerful bass sound, simulating the bass drum of acoustic drums in pop, rock, bossa-nova, jazz, flamenco, etc.
Likewise, it was made in Spain by the Pepote brand, which has been manufacturing this type of percussion instrument for more than 2 decades.
On the other hand, the elegant natural color design of the body combines very well with the red tone of its front cover. The latter also features a beautiful design in the center and brand information at the bottom. And we cannot forget its rubber feet, which serve to provide greater stability to the drawer on various surfaces.
To play flamenco and different styles of music, you can opt for standard models like this one, the Pepote Jaleo. Below, we present its most important positive and negative aspects.
Pros
Bass: Provides immersive sound with rich bass for almost any type of music.
Manufacturing: It is a handmade instrument made of plywood and its lid is dyed red to make it more attractive.
Lid: The lid is removable, so you can change it or remove it to dye it the color you want.
Cons
Gloss: Missing a bit more gloss when hitting the top of the front cover.
Flamenco box La Perù
8. Schlagwerk La Perù CP4006 Flemish Cajon
This cajon has a 7-ply birch body, so it withstands frequent use, trips or outings with your friends to play flamenco and have fun. Also, we mention that it has the La Perù adjustment system, which uses special strings for proper tuning. They can be tightened with the help of a key at the base of the drawer.
In addition to this, the La Perù flamenco cajon has a warm bass sound, as well as pleasant high frequencies, thanks to its tuning strings.
Another quality that we must mention is that the height of the cajon is not very high, being more comfortable for many percussionists; it is only 45 cm. Also, the bases are made of high quality wood, so they are quite durable and resistant to the weight of your body.
Do not forget to review the most outstanding pros and cons of this flamenco-style wooden cajon, here we explain them to you.
Pros
Sound: It offers good sound balance, deep bass and optimal treble to play various types of songs.
Robustness: With 7 layers of birch it is more than resistant for people of average size.
Size: It is a drawer with 30 x 30 x 45 cm in general, so it is a little smaller than other models and therefore practical.
Cons
Volume: Being a bit more compact than other models, the volume could be a bit lower.
Accessories for flamenco cajon
Flamenco cajon cover
Meinl MSTCJB Cover for Standard Cajon
If you have bought a flamenco cajon and do not have a protection for it, perhaps this is the product you need.
It is a standard size flamenco cajon cover, that is, it measures 30.5 x 30.5 x 53.3 cm.
In addition, it offers a complete opening for greater ease when storing or removing the drawer, it even has a double zipper, so that you can open the cover faster.
Also, it has ergonomic and robust handles, so it will be easy to move with it.
As if that were not enough, it is made of resistant nylon and reinforced seams, for a longer service life.
Shopping guide
In this guide to buying the best flamenco cajon, we will explain the most important technical details that you should know before buying this type of percussion instrument. Pay attention to each characteristic and its importance, perhaps this way you will make the choice more effectively.
Materials
When you want to buy a flamenco cajon you can find various models, but most of them are made of the same material, wood. However, it is important to know that if it is plywood it is not always the same thickness.
In addition to this, remember that you will have to sit on it whenever you are going to touch it, so the plywood must be resistant. Also, it is important to know that the front cover of a flamenco cajon is not always made of plywood, as it is sometimes made of polished wood prepared by hand to give a unique sound.
However, plywood or not, the most used wood is birch, which is abundant and cheap. Also, birch is easy to shape and for one very important reason manufacturers often prefer it for their cajons. This is because it provides a high quality sound to this type of instrument, in addition, another reason is its hardness. It’s not particularly hard like ebony, but it’s very good at supporting the weight of percussionists.
Among the materials, this product can include strings of well-known instruments, especially guitar. These are made of metal and sometimes nylon. Other artisans want to be more authentic and use different thickness metal strings.
Guy
There are drawers for children or adults; the former are smaller and lighter. These allow the child to sit on them easily. They also make it possible for the little one to pick them up and take them to another place to continue playing. One piece of advice we give you is that, if you are going to give a flamenco cajon to your son or little nephew, do not buy a toy one. Ideally, it should have its tuning strings inside, so that the child enjoys a good sound and his ear is educated in the best way.
In this order of ideas children’s cajons with the front cover dyed in a bright color, these could be very useful for your child to be more motivated with percussion or music in general. Of course, you can also opt for more classic models, depending on the age of the child.
On the other hand, flamenco cajons for adults are larger and heavier. This allows them to sound louder and to accompany flamenco groups without the need for amplification.
For adults you will get models of different quality, it depends on your musical level which cajon to buy. However, if you are a beginner, you can also purchase a professional cajon, that way you will not have to spend extra money in the future when you go to concerts with your band.
sizes
In a comparison of flamenco cajons, you should not only think about the materials or the type of model, but you should also review other aspects, for example, the size. Yes, we have already said that the small ones are for children and that, normally, the largest ones are for adults, but this is not all.
In other words, you should know that drawers for adults also come in different sizes, for example, some have less height, so that short people can use them more comfortably. Some percussionists even use a large one for flamenco and a smaller one for jazz. It is a matter of taste and the need you have at the moment.
Bases
At this point we are talking about the 4 bases that support the cajon and prevent its body from touching the ground. These bases must be made of some non-slip material so that you can play on any stage or surface with greater stability. Keep in mind that if you use flamenco cajons without non-slip bases, you should use a mat, especially when playing on smooth surfaces.
Accessories
The answer to how much a certain flamenco cajon model costs may vary depending on the number of accessories it comes with, covers, mats, tuning keys, etc. However, by doing an Internet search you will be able to find an inexpensive drawer that comes with a cover for transport or storage. It is an accessory that will protect your drawer from dust, scratches or, in some cases, from rain, depending on the material it is made of.
Frequently asked questions
Q1: How to use a flamenco cajon?
You should sit on the cajon with your legs open to give the soundboard more freedom to emit its sounds. Also, it is necessary that you always have a straight posture, to avoid back injuries. And, if you want to get bass sounds like the bass drum line on acoustic drums, you should hit the center of the front lid of the cajon with the palm of your hand. Of course there are other ways to use the cajon to get bass, for example some use their feet to create deep bass effects.
Q2: How to make a flamenco cajon?
If you want to make a flamenco cajon, then we will explain it to you step by step. For its elaboration you will need these materials, 5 mm thick birch plywood, 12 mm thick birch plywood, mounting glue, screws, guitar string, 2 x 2 cm pine wood strip, M8 screw, 3 x 30 mm lag screws, varnish, etc.
The first thing you need to do is make a drawing on the birch plywood slats. For the measures you decide, according to the needs or preferences you have. If you are going to make a drawer for a child, remember that the size is a little smaller.
Then, cut the strips with the measurements you have chosen and start joining the pieces with glue, forming the drawer leather. The internal structure will be made with 2 x 2 cm pine wood. That will be the base that will support the entire drawer, so that it is quite resistant and you or another person can sit on the drawer.
Attach the front cover with the thinnest birch batten, then screw on. Do not put glue on this part, the screws will suffice. The back cover is the same, but with glue, and before mounting it you must make a circle or hole where the sound will come out.
Lastly, sand the outside of the drawer for a better finish. Next, paint with several layers of varnish to protect the wood from moisture, fungus and other agents.
Q3: What strings does a flamenco cajon have?
We suggest using metal strings, as these have a higher vibration propagation speed, and you can use them in.042 and.048 gauge. However, you can also create your own strings, for a more authentic sound.
Q4: How to attach strings to a flamenco cajon?
You can place the strings in parallel, that is, next to each other. In this case, 2 or 4 strings are enough. Also, it is possible to mount them in a V-shape, in which case 1 or 2 strings would suffice. However, you can always be original and come up with your own way of placing the strings.
Q5: Where does the flamenco cajon come from?
The origin of the flamenco box drum dates back to 1977, where Paco de Lucía discovered it in Peru when he was on one of his tours of America. He was invited by the Spanish ambassador to a party, where Chabuca Granda performed together with a musician who played this instrument, thus drawing Paco’s absolute attention. This famous musician took the Peruvian cajon to Spain where it has become very popular to this day. As it was used in flamenco music, it kept that title.
Q6: How to paint a flamenco cajon?
The most recommended and easiest way is to apply varnish with a paint gun, but you can also paint it in other ways, as long as you cover all the pores of the wood very well. This will prevent it from going bad quickly and you can enjoy the cajon for up to several years.
Q7: How to tune a flamenco cajon?
Keep in mind that not all flamenco cajons have a tuning system that allows you to tune them as you would like. For example, the low range drawers are adjusted from the top, the treble adjustment is made by tightening the upper screws and the bass adjustment is made by adjusting the middle screws. Also, some high end cajons have internal strings or strings giving a gritty or dry sound. These drawers are generally tuned with an Allen key.
Q8: How to assemble a flamenco cajon?
If you are a DIY lover it will be easy for you to assemble a flamenco cajon, in addition, you can buy a flamenco cajon kit on Amazon. These kits come with all the parts and an illustrated instruction manual to get you up and running quickly. To do this, you will need simple tools that you probably have in your home, for example, a screwdriver and wood glue. In case you do not have wood glue, you can also buy it on Amazon.
