JasonM -> RE: Cajon Build blog (Jul. 18 2015 5:11:11)
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Snare , Tapa, and getting the box to sound like a cajon should! Also I've decided to dedicate this cajon to Anders because I know he's not reading this thread. I gave it a test run and it sounds good. now I've got to build a second one for a friend. Sigh...Not as fun building cajons as guitars I imagine. In this picture you can see that I built the snare. I stole this design from DG but most are the same for guitar string snare. I might also add a snare wire strap on the bottom inside like Sela uses to add extra snare of I desire. Pretty self explanatory I think. I used stainless 2" socket screws ($6 each at Home Depot !!!) maybe I'll replace with something cheaper. That threads through the wood block, a spring for tension, and a T nut. I also removed the top 2/3 of the face frame with a router flush bit. I matched it to the inside of a PRK cajon based on pics. The idea is too add more area for the drum head to flex. This is where the cajon is struck. If you do have screws going up the side, they will probably be loosened anyway. Many don't add screws here at all. What's with the weights? Well I'm trying to put a little inward bend while I fasten the tapa to get better contact with the snares. I'm using stainless torx screws for now. I have all the hardware to add threaded screws with springs to add a tensioned top like DG uses. I spent another $20 bucks on all that not sure if I will use it yet. I learned that the secret to getting good sound is mostly about the tension of the Tapa or head. You've got to keep the upper screws loose and you have to adjust the snare wire tension until it sounds right. Of you tighten the top down solid, you'll wind up with what sounds like a monotone kick drum. The snare strings have to be relatively loose. also, The snare does NOT have to be placed where you strike the the drum. It doesn't matter as long as it is tightly pressed against the head. So, next to do will be sanding shaping and finishing. I'm debating on Veneer for the tapa. That's another $50 and why the nice cajons are expensive. I'll post a video soon on how it sounds.. Hopefully, someone can get some tips from all of this.
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