History

The cajon is the most widely used Afro-Peruvian musical instrument in the 20th century. Slaves of West and Central African origin in the Americas, specifically Peru, are considered to be the source of the cajon drum; though the instrument is common in musical performance throughout the Americas, especially Cuba. In Cuba, the cajon is associated with the Afro-Cuban drum/song/dance style known as rumba, while in Peru it is associated with several Afro-Peruvian genres.

The cajon was most likely developed in coastal Peru during the early 1800s. The instrument reached a peak in popularity by 1850, and by the end of the 19th century cajon players were experimenting with the design of the instrument by bending some of the planks in the cajon's body to alter the instrument's patterns of sound vibration.

Today

Generation Custom Drums has furthered the design of the cajon by incorporating a snare bed, a snare throw-off, and guitar tuning machines into our innovative cajon design.

The snare bed is a slight curve inwards on the snare side of the cajon which lays the "tapa" or playing surface into the snare cables.  This creates greater clarity of the bass tone and a more articulate and snappier snare response.

The snare throw-off uses the tension of the snare cables to index into the on position and simply slide back to "throw-off" the snares.  This can be done two seconds or less!

 Guitar tuning machines are used to dial in each string to the precise tension you want.  This allows for soft finger rolls and biting slaps with the right combination.  (We prefer the middle strings to be tight and the two sides loose)

The opposite or “open” side of the cajon acts as a sounding board for the bass on the snare side and also allows playing without snares for a "rumba" cajon sound.

All our cajons are made with SOLID wood bodies and aircraft grade birch plywood playing surfaces (6 plies & 3mils thick).  The sound hole is on the side of the drum and can be custom cut into many different designs for an extra charge. They are then finished off with a 1/2 inch thick foam seat pad and heavy duty rubber feet.

       NEW REDUCED PRICES!!!

$325 - with throw-off

$275 - snare

$175 - two tone (no snare)

         NEW ECONOMY MODEL  SNARE CAJON - ONLY $185

 - featuring birch plywood body and the same aircraft grade birch tapa and adjustable wires (available in natural or Mahogony Stain)

 - NEW -

Conga Cajon