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justino -> I'm Looking for a Quality Profesional Cajon (Aug. 7 2014 0:49:43)
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Hello everyone,
My name is Justin. I'm new to the forums here. I'm reaching out to find some other experienced percussionists and flamenco aficionados that can give me some solid advice and educated opinions on the best cajons out there for playing/recording flamenco. First a little background on my musical experience and the types of instruments/cajons I have used so far.
I am a classically trained percussionist living in Orlando, FL. During my last 2 year of college my love for different types world music took me on a little detour professionally. I started working with various guitarists that gave me the opportunity to perform and record using on the cajon for the 1st time. Since then flamenco has been a bit of a musical love affair and has actually grown into a regular source of supplemental income with regular weekly gigs. I now freelance regularly as an orchestral percussionist, drummer and a flamenco percussionist as well as teach and write music when I get the time and opportunity.
The cajon that I currently use is an LP Mario Cortez. It is a lucky pick (more like a diamond in the rough) out of several of this model that I like very much and has withstood the test of time. I have gotten a lot of mileage out of this instrument and for live performance with the proper EQ it still sounds great for many musical styles, however it is time for something new and more appropriate for recording and performing flamenco rhythms on at a higher level.
I have also played on various other cajons including almost all of the meinl, pearl and LP instruments and one of the Schlagwerk La Peru cajons as well. I have done a lot of research trying different cajons out that are available in the U.S.A, I've listened to countless recordings and visited probably all the notable cajon manufacturers websites and have come to a bit of a conundrum. The 1st problem is that I have found few instruments available in the states that I like. The 2nd problem is that those cajons that I do like are not worth upgrading because they are comparable to what I already have or are comparable or more expensive than various European brands that seem to offer a better quality product. Also, I don't always trust recordings from manufacturers most of the time the EQ's are adjusted to the an unnatural level of frequency response..
This is where you guys come in : D
I think I have narrowed it down to some choices that I really like and I want to know what you think about them, if you have played any of these and if you recommend any of them. Or perhaps you know of different or even better instruments than the ones I listed below.
Cruz Cajon pro/elite
De Gregorio Chanela
Mienle Artisan line
Pepote Estudio/Profesional
Schlagwerk Fineline and Agile Pro/Soft Touch
Sela
I guess what I am looking for most of all is a sensitive but crisp and fairly dry snare response and a nice but controlled bass tone. Nothing to boomy but still with a little kick! I don't like it when I lose the snare response as I change dynamics or playing spots however I don't want want it to buzz all the time either. I know I'm picky lol...
Thanks for taking time to read my post. Let me know what you think.
-Justin
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