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Does anyone know exactly whats inside a cajón? I mean is it just an empty box, or is there something magical inside? Also, is it made from "tonewood" (ie. wood specifically selected for its sound properties) or just any old plywood. Just curious about them because I've never actually thought about it. If its fairly simple to make, I might try making one myself- can anyone recommend some plans?
I think having a cajón and attemting to learn to play it might also improve my compas, que no? Without having to worry about chords and fingerings, I could just bash out raw rhythms on the cajon until it clicks. Are there any good, simple cajón tuition resources out there?
Any help gratefully appreciated!
James
ps: do they always have to be made from wood, or can other materials be used?
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¡Si esto no está en compas, esto no es el Flamenco!
RE: Whats inside cajónes? (not cojones) (in reply to JBASHORUN)
I have built one myself in a workshop.
Inside are guitar strings, and some have little bells in it (though unimportant).
The cajon originally was played in Peru by poor harbour workers, who used boxes where cod was transported. Then someone found out that adding strings gives a good sound. The name cajon means box or even coffin. When Paco came to Peru he liked it and used it for his songs. That's the short version of the history of the Perujan Cajon. There is also another one in Cuba without strings and the surface where you play on is on top.
I will probably build one again over the days of New Year's Eve.
Ah... I think we used solid spruce for it, but the front plate was birch.
RE: Whats inside cajónes? (not cojones) (in reply to JBASHORUN)
Guitar strings, eh? thats interesting!
Thanks Georg, but please tell me more... how are the strings positioned inside the cajon? And how do the strings affect the sound of the instrument? Also, are there any plans/drawings available that I can work from?
Vielen Dank!
James
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¡Si esto no está en compas, esto no es el Flamenco!
RE: Whats inside cajónes? (not cojones) (in reply to JBASHORUN)
quote:
Whats inside cajónes?
A dead cat and a piece of half-eaten tortilla...
No, seriously though...a few years back, I had a go at building one. I followed the advice for building materials and method of construction...but it sounded like sh*t.
I've never tried a "real" one to know what it should sound like, so I can't really tell if it's the cajón or the playing that's at fault.
cheers
Ron
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A good guitar might be a good guitar But it takes a woman to break your heart
RE: Whats inside cajónes? (not cojones) (in reply to JBASHORUN)
I had a short look at the link:
I don't think that you will have a decent snare sound with the kind of string attachment which the pdf file shows. We also used another technique to tune the cajon.
Tunig a cajon? Yes the strings must have the right tension to have produce the right effect.
RE: Whats inside cajónes? (not cojones) (in reply to JBASHORUN)
Thanks man! My mother speaks Deutsche, so I'll get her to translate.
But can anyone advise me as to what sound I'm trying to acchieve with my cajon (in regard to tone, snare, etc). I've never really seen/heard one in real life other than at the odd concert. And even then, I tend to be so busy listening to the guitar parts and singing that I don't pay the cajon much attention...
Cheers,
Jb
_____________________________
¡Si esto no está en compas, esto no es el Flamenco!
RE: Whats inside cajónes? (not cojones) (in reply to JBASHORUN)
I have fitted the springs from a snare drum to the inside of mine, works great. In Spain I have seen them empty, some even open backed. Some filled with baffles and rattles made from flattened coca-cola cans, and even little bells.
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When Paco came to Peru he liked it and used it for his songs. That's the short version of the history of the Perujan Cajon. There is also another one in Cuba without strings and the surface where you play on is on top. 
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