Increased slap tones that you control.
The Meinl Turbo Cajon goes an extra step towards cutting edge. The concept comes from instrument designer
Oliver Böttger. The drum's upper corners have deeply cut channels with castanet-like striking surfaces. This produces
a reinforced slap effect that you control with hand pressure.
The cajon is an authentic Afro-Cuban wooden box percussion
instrument. Meinl cajons are completely handmade from start to finish. They work perfectly for flamenco or world music and
deliver a wide range of sounds, from loud, deep bass tones to cutting high overtones. Drummers and percussionists appreciate
the cajon for its diversity of sound. They're also perfect for unplugged gigs or sessions.
The cajon is one of today's
most popular percussion instruments because it's very easy to play, and provides a great feel and rhythmic foundation to any
musical situation. It is fun to experiment with and is popular in literally every musical genre as it is often used during
unplugged gigs or softer songs to replace an entire drum kit.
After just a little practice, basic beats, and grooves
can be achieved. It can be used by drummers as a substitute for their throne, playing on it with one hand, while the other
hand keeps time on the ride or the hi-hat.
Many drummers also use the cajon during unplugged gigs, certain songs, or
spontaneous sessions as its ability to emulate many sounds serve as an excellent substitute for a complete drum set.
Traditionally,
cajons are played by sitting on the padded top of the box while slightly leaning backwards. The frontplate is struck with
the bare hands. Various playing techniques help to create different percussive sounds ranging from deep bass tones to cutting
highs and slaps.
A nice effect can be achieved by sliding the foot up and down the frontplate when playing the cajon,
changing the pitch of its tone.
A unique and inspiring sound is achieved when playing the cajon's frontplate with a
pair of brushes or rods.
The history of the cajon
The cajon, which is the Spanish word for box, has been part of Afro-Peruvian music since the 19th century. The drum originated
in colonial Peru, when the slaves, whose African drums had been forbidden by their masters, used wooden boxes intended to
hold fruits or overturned drawers to play their rhythms on. Later the cajon was officially added to the instrumentation of
the vals criollo, or "creole waltz." It is now a national emblem for Peruvians, and an indispensable part of any
ensemble that performs the traditional folk music of Peru.
The cajon's later development can be clearly traced back
to one man, the flamenco guitar player Paco de Lucia. In the early 1970s, the Spanish embassy in Lima, Peru hosted a party
for Paco de Lucia, where they had a traditional Peruvian band perform using the cajon. Flamenco music comprises many different
rhythms which are normally played by the guitar player striking the body of the guitar. At that party, Paco de Lucia asked
his former percussionist Ruben Danta to play the "Buleria" on the cajon, which is one of the rhythms used in flamenco. Consequently,
Paco de Lucia took the cajon with him back to Spain. The short staccato sounds that can be played on the cajon make it perfect
for flamenco music, because that sound naturally relates to the footwork and hand-claps ("palmas") used in Flamenco. Since
the cajon's historic migration from Peru to Spain, its use has spread worldwide.
Meinl Turbo Cajon Features:
- Frontplate and resonating Body:
- Red Oak
- Castanet-like striking surface (patent pending)
- Internal snare wires
- Wide sound options
- Padded sitting surface
Not your average cajon. Order today.
Meinl Turbo Cajon Specifications:
- 19-3/8" H x 11-1/2" L x 11-3/4" D
