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Plywood Mini Cajon (Hand Drum with Guitar string)

by VortexSurfer on September 20, 2010 Table of Contents Plywood Mini Cajon (Hand Drum with Guitar string) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Intro: Plywood Mini Cajon (Hand Drum with Guitar string) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 1: Tools and supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 2: Cut parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 3: Cut the hole . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 4: Glue resonating box and inner frame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 5: Built in sizzle effect system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 2 2 4 4 6 7

Step 6: Set the string and close the box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Step 7: Finishing: rubber feet and paint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Related Instructables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Advertisements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

http://www.instructables.com/id/Plywood-Mini-Cajon-Hand-Drum-with-Guitar-string/

Intro: Plywood Mini Cajon (Hand Drum with Guitar string)

This instructable describes the process to build a small cajon similar to commercially available ones. I will call it mini cajon, but the instructions can be easily applied to build a full size cajon. At the time of writing I could find 3 instructables on how to build full size cajones: http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-build-a-cajon/ http://www.instructables.com/id/built-your-own-Cajon-for-less-than-25-Euro/ http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Build-Your-Own-Cajon-Box-Drum/ So why bother with another instructables? The reason is simple: instead of using snare wires to obtain the snare sound I have used a guitar string. Many cajones are built in this way and I thought someone out there might find this interesting. Unlike full size cajones, you cannot sit on a mini cajon but you rather hold it between your legs at knees height when playing it. It is a very compact and portable solution when you need a good percussion instrument on the go. If you like this instructable please vote for it in the musical instruments contest and the weekend project contest. Thanks heaps!

Step 1: Tools and supplies

Here is a list of tools and supplies that I have used for this project Tools: - Drill - Sander - Jigsaw - Circular saw - Grinding machine (optional) Supplies: Multiplex plywood for the resonating box and sizzle effect (snare sound) - 290x130x10 mm (2 pieces) - 200x130x10 mm (2 pieces) - 290x180x10 mm (1 piece) - 290x30x10 mm (1 piece) - 100x21x10 mm (1 piece) - 310x200x4 mm (this will be the slap surface) Pine wood for the inner frame: - 140x20x20 mm (2 pieces) - 290x20x20 mm (2 pieces) - Glue for wood - 10 wood screws - 1 classic guitar string (A) - 2 t-nuts (size 6mm) - 2 hex socket head screws (at least 6 cm long) - Wood finish - 4 rubber feet - 4 washers - 4 bolts - 4 nuts

http://www.instructables.com/id/Plywood-Mini-Cajon-Hand-Drum-with-Guitar-string/

Image Notes 1. Glue for wood 2. 4 25x30mm rubber feet 3. 2 t-nuts 4. 4 washer 5. 4 nuts 6. classic guitar string (A) 7. 10 wood screws 8. measuring tape 9. pencil 10. 2 hex cap screws 11. sand paper 12. hex key 13. 4 bolts 14. compass

Image Notes 1. drill 2. sander 3. jigsaw 4. circular saw

Image Notes 1. Grinding machine 2. Gloves 3. Protective glasses

Image Notes 1. 2 pieces for long sides (10mm): 130x290mm 2. 2 pieces for short sides (10mm): 130x200mm 3. 1 piece for the bottom (10mm): 180x290mm 4. 1 piece for the top (4mm): 310x200mm 5. 20x20x700mm pine wood i had at home: i cut the parts for the frame from it

http://www.instructables.com/id/Plywood-Mini-Cajon-Hand-Drum-with-Guitar-string/

Step 2: Cut parts

I had most of my ply cut at the local DIY store. I only had to cut 2 pieces of plywood with a circular saw and the the 2-by-2 pine wood for the inner frame

Image Notes 1. 100x20x10 mm 2. 290x30x10 mm

Image Notes 1. 2 pieces 14 cm each 2. 2 pieces 29 cm each

Step 3: Cut the hole

I used the compass to draw a 40mm radius circle centered at the intersection of the diagonals of one of the 290x130x10mm boards. I then drilled a hole within the circle and used a jigsaw to cut out the resonating hole.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Plywood-Mini-Cajon-Hand-Drum-with-Guitar-string/

Image Notes 1. marked intersection of diagonals 2. the hole will have a 40mm radius

http://www.instructables.com/id/Plywood-Mini-Cajon-Hand-Drum-with-Guitar-string/

Step 4: Glue resonating box and inner frame

I assembled the box using glue and clamps during drying. When gluing the inner frame made out of the 4 sticks of pine it is IMPORTANT to make sure that it is NOT flush with the top of the sides of the box (see picture), in order to 1) allow enough space for the guitar string 2) allow the slap face to vibrate more when played.

Image Notes 1. frame is not glued yet, but is used to keep sides perpendicular and at the right distance

Image Notes 1. i did not have any big clamp... so i used an heavy log to dry glue under pressure

http://www.instructables.com/id/Plywood-Mini-Cajon-Hand-Drum-with-Guitar-string/

Image Notes 1. frame is not flush to the edge in order to allow space (about 1mm) for guitar string

Image Notes 1. sand corners to eliminate imperfections

Step 5: Built in sizzle effect system

OK this is the interesting bit and I hope the images are clear enough for everyone to understand how it works. Basically, I have drilled 2 holes on one of the short sides of the resonating box all the way through the pine frame and the small plywood slider clamped inside the box. The hex cap screws will have to pass through these holes, whereas the holes on the small plywood part will be enlarged to accommodate the t-nuts (i have used a clamp to push the t-nut in the wood). I have then assembled all the parts and placed the slap face on the resonating box to check whether there was enough room between the plywood slider and slap face for the string to run through. There was not, so I had to sand down the slider a bit and use the grinder on the t-nut as well. With better planning and measuring you can probably avoid this, but be careful as you don't want too much of a gap or your string will not be touching the slap face.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Plywood-Mini-Cajon-Hand-Drum-with-Guitar-string/

Image Notes 1. 10mm drill bit to make countersink. A countersink cutter was going to cost me about the same as the rest of the project (13 euros!!) 2. Hole drilled with 6mm bit

Image Notes 1. countersink

Image Notes 1. this fly seems to be "into" percussions...

http://www.instructables.com/id/Plywood-Mini-Cajon-Hand-Drum-with-Guitar-string/

http://www.instructables.com/id/Plywood-Mini-Cajon-Hand-Drum-with-Guitar-string/

Image Notes 1. no room for the string

Image Notes 1. enough room for the string after sanding

Step 6: Set the string and close the box

I have drilled tiny holes for the guitar string on the pine frame just opposite of where I had installed the slider. Run the string through one hole and made a not under the frame, then passed the string on top of the slider and underneath the screws. Then back on top of the slider and in the other tiny hole. The image probably provide a better explanation than words do. I would suggest to tie the string as tight as possible and to have the slider in a central position on the scews (as shown in the pictures) so that it has some leeway to move in both directions. The tension of the guitar string is therefore adjustable from the outside of the cajon using the hex cap screws: by tightening them the slider will move towards your hand increasing the tension of the string. It allows you to find the sound that you like the most and to change easily sound (perhaps removing completely the snare effect) simply using an allen key. IMPORTANT: if you are using this guide to build a full size cajon I'd recommend to use more than one string (I generally use three. The slider will be at the bottom of your cajon and you should separate the tiny holes where the strings are blocked a couple of cm one from the other. This is obviously a guideline: feel free to experiment! Being a drummer, I have screwed the slap face on the box following the scheme that I would use on a drum head. To be honest I don't think it makes much of a difference using plywood. I have rounded the edges with an orbital sander.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Plywood-Mini-Cajon-Hand-Drum-with-Guitar-string/

Image Notes 1. make a nod here, underneath the frame

Image Notes

http://www.instructables.com/id/Plywood-Mini-Cajon-Hand-Drum-with-Guitar-string/

1. scheme for screwing the top to the box

Image Notes 1. rounded corners

Step 7: Finishing: rubber feet and paint

I have applied different colors to the slap face and resonating box, screwed the rubber feet to the box and then re-assembled the snare mechanism. In order to improve the snare sound it might help to apply some masking tape inside the box to keep the string against the slap face. I use this common little trick also on the full size cajon. I am not expert enough to say whether it sounds better with guitar strings than it would with snare wires: I have only built one with snare wires (full size) and I am not fully satisfied with its sound whereas I have built a few more with guitar strings... anyway, i suppose there are pros and cons with the different solutions. Unfortunately I don't have any video to show how it plays: I have completed this project months ago and did not take it with me when I have moved to a different continent! Personally I still very much prefer the richness of tone of a full size cajon. Obviously a mini cajon will not have the same bass tone, but it still makes a nice percussive option when you are travelling and you have limited space! I hope you enjoyed this instructable. If you did, please vote for it in the musical instruments contest . Thanks heaps!

http://www.instructables.com/id/Plywood-Mini-Cajon-Hand-Drum-with-Guitar-string/

http://www.instructables.com/id/Plywood-Mini-Cajon-Hand-Drum-with-Guitar-string/

Image Notes 1. family portrait

Related Instructables

How To Build Your Own Cajon Box Drum With Adjustable Snare by Rykley!

How to build a cajon by 89joho87

How to make a two sided cajon with snare by Luke7900

How To Make A Timbale Out Of A Snare Drum by music is life

How To Dubstep Beatbox by iStarz

Make and play a berimbau (Brazilian music bow instrument) on a campsite by Dave A

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Comments
15 comments Add Comment

olesgreb says:
Would you ever consider manufacturing?

Jul 31, 2013. 1:03 PM REPLY

VortexSurfer says:
Hi olesgreb,

Aug 1, 2013. 2:41 AM REPLY

thanks for your comment. I do have sold a couple of cajones but I have never thought to do it on a large scale. They are still average products that anyone who does not want to invest on a high end branded one can easily build. You should give it a go ;)

colt01 says:
How tight do you make the guitar string?

Jul 31, 2013. 2:50 PM REPLY

VortexSurfer says:
Hi colt01

Aug 1, 2013. 2:28 AM REPLY

the tension of the guitar string is adjustable from the outside of the cajon using the hex cap screws: by tightening them the slider will move towards your hand increasing the tension of the string. It allows you to find the sound that you like the most and to change easily sound (perhaps removing completely the snare effect) simply using an allen key. When you are setting up the string the first time I would suggest to make it as tight as possible and to have the slider in a central position on the scews (as shown in the pictures) so that it has some leeway to move in both directions. Thank you for your question: clearly I did not explain it well enough in the instructable and I am going to edit it to include these informations. I hope I have answered your question.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Plywood-Mini-Cajon-Hand-Drum-with-Guitar-string/

Kiteman says:
Can we hear what it sounds like?

Jul 18, 2013. 9:40 AM REPLY

VortexSurfer says:
Hi Kiteman,

Jul 18, 2013. 11:15 PM REPLY

unfortunately my mini cajon is back in Italy and I currently live in Melbourne... To get an idea, I have drawn inspiration from the Palito Cajon produced by Meinl, which is built in the same way. One of several videos on the web: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjsMwj-WgA4 For a comparison, the Cajonito (by Schlagwerk) uses snare wires: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPVr8FCgCN0 vs

askjerry says:
Nice job!

Jul 21, 2013. 8:39 AM REPLY

By the way... next time you post a reply, click on "Rich Editor" then when you put your links in, you can highlight them and make them an active link like this... One of several videos on the web: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjsMwj-WgA4 For a comparison, the Cajonito (by Schlagwerk) uses snare wires: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPVr8FCgCN0 Or, if it is a YouTube video... copy the EMBED code from the YouTube Link, then click the filmstrip in the rich editor and paste... then you get this...

I hope that helps you. Jerry

VortexSurfer says:
Hey Jerry, Thanks for the heads up. Will do next time ;) vs

Jul 28, 2013. 11:25 PM REPLY

Kiteman says:
Thanks.

Jul 19, 2013. 12:32 AM REPLY

http://www.instructables.com/id/Plywood-Mini-Cajon-Hand-Drum-with-Guitar-string/

profpat says:
nice one, have been planning to build one myself for my son! i believe this is a good guide!

Jul 22, 2013. 12:16 AM REPLY

hohum says:
cool, thanks

Jul 21, 2013. 6:38 PM REPLY

MrRedBeard says:
That's really cool. For those interested in what it sounds like I found one with strings on youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4ByERhIIz0

Jul 18, 2013. 10:45 AM REPLY

WrshpMzshn says:
Terrific variation of the traditional cajon.

Jul 18, 2013. 9:50 AM REPLY

actionjacksonklein says:
Great build. I am a huge fan of cajons, and I believe the guitar strings have a better sound

Jul 18, 2013. 7:28 AM REPLY

pshelton1 says:
I like the use of the log

Jul 18, 2013. 4:33 AM REPLY

http://www.instructables.com/id/Plywood-Mini-Cajon-Hand-Drum-with-Guitar-string/