Need cajon-making help

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Postby ABAKUA » Tue Sep 06, 2005 1:34 pm

CongaTick wrote:As usual, Abakua, you are a veritable font of knowledge and a treasured resource to all of us forummer sideliners. Thanks for going to the trouble of posting GREAT pix. They've got me jazzed to go. Couple questions before I rush off to Home Depot: The internal framing? Is there any? Approximate thicknesses of top/sides/bottom,etc.?

Hey brother,

I share what I can, if I know the "how to" of something I will gladly share it, and equally will listen and learn when I dont know something. I make no claims to be anything Im not. :)

I will get measurements etc for you 2moro when I get the cajon dropped off to me, as I have left the cajon overnight with a student of mine.

Internally there is no support frame to speak, it was built using nice strong wood, and has been played to death over the 10 or so years its been around for and is still going strong with no cracks etc.

Underneath, some rubber grommets and a washer were used to raise it off the ground.
See pic below.




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Postby loudrms » Tue Sep 06, 2005 6:23 pm

Abakua, thanx for the great pix and info. Are the top, bottom and sides 3/4" plywood? Can't wait to get started. Thanx again and take care. loudrms
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Postby ABAKUA » Wed Sep 07, 2005 9:17 am

loudrms wrote:Abakua, thanx for the great pix and info. Are the top, bottom and sides 3/4" plywood? Can't wait to get started. Thanx again and take care. loudrms

Your welcome loudrms,
I got the cajon back today, and took some measurements for those interested...
The sides, top and base of the cajon are 2cm thick plywood.
Front and rear covers are 5mm thick sheets of plywood.


WIDTH: 31 cm




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Postby ABAKUA » Wed Sep 07, 2005 9:19 am

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Postby ABAKUA » Wed Sep 07, 2005 9:24 am

DEPTH: 24.5 cm

(note, front and rear covers are 5mm thick plywood)


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Postby ABAKUA » Wed Sep 07, 2005 9:30 am

For the air/sound hole, have it in the centre of the cajon, so, in this case, seeing as the cajon is 50cm in height, measure and make a mark 25cm up in the centre.
The hole measures 10.5cm in width/height.




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Postby ABAKUA » Wed Sep 07, 2005 9:34 am

Front panel (striking surface) is screwed on.
Sides, top and base are nailed into position.
Rear panel is fixed on with metal staples for wooden applications.
Joining sections have been sanded down for a curved, smoothe finish and then wooden stainer has been applied to protect the cajon and give it a nice dark tone.

As you can see, inside there has not been any support frame.
Using good strong woods you shouldnt have a need for an inner support frame.




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Postby ABAKUA » Wed Sep 07, 2005 9:39 am

I hope these series of pics have helped.
Feel free to ask questions/comment. :)
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Postby CongaTick » Sat Sep 10, 2005 12:31 pm

Abakua,
Using your measurements converted to inches, just finished making my first cajon, and though not as crafty as yours-- it looks pretty decent. And it sounds so cool. Never having played one before, it was a little odd setting my tumbaos on it, but in a matter of minutes I got the idea. Very impressed with its range. Today will be lovingly sanding and finishing it off. Using scrap wood and one sheet of Home Depot luan ply, total cost was $3.99. Many thanks, bro, for sharing-- the sign of a true pro.
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Postby ABAKUA » Sat Sep 10, 2005 1:01 pm

:laugh:
Great stuff bro!
Image

Try to get some pics up of how it turns out when all finished!
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Postby ABAKUA » Sat Sep 10, 2005 1:14 pm

Also, look into studying some Peruvian Festejo rhythms normally in 12/8, Flamenco grooves and obviously adaptation of cajon in Afro Cuban rhythms also. Study of these forms will allow you to develop and incorporate your own feels in your musical expression, as well as learning the orgins of this instrument.
Also, many of the Darbuka rhythms can be a great source for impovisation and experimentation of grooves to the cajon, though obviously with different technique and application.

Oh, and once you're ready to take up the building challenge again, experiment with larger dimensions, remember, the bigger you go, the bigger and deeper the tone. :)
Good luck! And again, congratulations on building your first cajon. Brings me much happiness that I was able to give you a place to begin!




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Postby ricky linn » Wed Sep 14, 2005 7:46 pm

Hi

I had some lessons with Amado from Clave Y Guaguanco in Habana last year and after studying Yambu we measured C y G's cajons so we could make some.

9" deep 24"long and 18" high. 1/2 inch plywood 6 ply - 2 or 3 ply for front "head" with a 6" diameter circle in the back. Hope this helps.

Ricky
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Postby yalla » Fri Sep 16, 2005 2:09 pm

A little advice, the side with the hole should not be opposed to the playing surface, but on left or right side: this will enhance bass tones.
BYE!
nadie se salva de la rumba
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Postby CongaTick » Sat Sep 17, 2005 7:01 pm

Ricky, Yalla, Abakua...

You guys are da best. I always know I can get set on the right path when I "come home" to this site..
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