ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 มิ.ย. 2024
- Build a Cajon Percussion Drum Box! This Cajon has a snare with a solid pine wood box and a 1/8" wood front (Toppa). I will show you how to build this step by step, including measurements and materials. The Cajon is becoming very popular among acoustic performances and gigs because it is easy to transport and has a deep rich sound. The materials for this project came to less than $50 not including the stain and clear coat, and I have enough material left to almost build a second. Below is a list of materials and tools needed for this project.
1" x 2'x 4' Laminated Pine: homedepot.sjv.io/rPvAD
1/8"x4' x 8' Door Skin: homedepot.sjv.io/jLogP
#8 x 3/4" Wood Screws: amzn.to/2TNm2cg
Varathane Triple Thick Clear: amzn.to/2IoTBen
Varathane Stain: amzn.to/2U2ucwr
Snare Drum Wire: amzn.to/2II5pZp
Clear Screw on Floor Bumpers: homedepot.sjv.io/PDL2R
Tools:
Table Saw: amzn.to/3cRIJUh
Belt Sander: amzn.to/2vgs7Vh
Spindle Sander: amzn.to/2IGTaw7
Orbital Sander: amzn.to/2W8NFhz
Jig Saw: amzn.to/2TLMfbl
Bench Sander: amzn.to/3aSuZXK
Cordless Drill: amzn.to/2w3OU75
Countersink Bits: amzn.to/3aS4ZLU
Clamps: https:amzn.to/2vejSZQ
Also please check out my Merchandise Store: diy-gene.creator-spring.com/
This video and description contain affiliate links, which means if you click on one of the product links I’ll receive a small commission. This helps support the channel and allows me to continue to make videos like this with absolutely no additional cost to you! Thank you for your support! - แนวปฏิบัติและการใช้ชีวิต
It's criminal that this isn't the top result for DIY cajon building. This is perfect, and so friendly too!
All the others I have seen have been dire - no explanation, not even a demo in two and the rest only demoed at the end.
Thank you. This was a really fun project and I can’t believe how good it sounds. Thanks again for watching.
Those clamps are like cowbell. You can never have too much.
More Clamps! Thanks for watching.
"I need more Cowbell!"
@vectorentertainment1733 so funny this comment is 2 years old but I looked up the snl video 2 days ago lol.
I know that I'm way too late, but still: If somebody wants to use this as a guide, I would suggest to use thinner wood for the back as well. The Cajon will be absolutely sturdy enough with those 4 massive sides, but it will resonate better with thin wood for front and back. I heard both and with thicker wood it sounds more compressed and doesn't have as much low end.
Great suggestion. I just may have to try that. Thanks for watching.
@@DIYGene Thanks for making that video.
@@marctestarossasaw your comments on the Cajun drum and liked what you said. Have you ever put in a spring to add reverb?
@@zardozica no, never heard of that, how is this supposed to work? I mean which parts would be connected through a spring?
@@marctestarossa two eye hooks on both sides with a spring strung between them.
17:17 I know your words are saying you think it looks nice... but your face is full of pride confirming that :)
Thanks Chris! I am pretty happy with it and I love how it sounds. Thanks so much for watching.
You did a great job with this video - very clear, helpful instruction. I especially like your warm, friendly, calm manner throughout. Thanks for your graciousness and generosity in sharing this. Looks and sounds like a sweet cajon! Anything that helps put music in the hands of people is a service to the universe. I am grateful.
Спасибо! Ваше видео я возьму за основу и сделаю аналогичный Cajon
What a good weekend start with my favorite youtuber’s video, thanks for the Great content, tips, informations, video quality/ angles etc .. everything is perfectly made ! And this Cajon will be my next project, thanks to you ! Keep up ! And wishing u to hit millions of subs soon !
Random Channel , Thanks so much. I really hope you will build one. I can’t believe how fun it is to play. This is my first Cajon. I had less than $50 into it and have all most enough materials to build a second one. Including the snare came with 2. As always thanks again for watching.
dark front looks super cool. Beautiful work!
Thanks so much for watching.
You can never have enough clamps. I had a wonderful time building this Cajon and was so happy with how it turned out. Its has a great deep bass and snare that is a total ball to play!
Thanks so much for watching.
Gene
Thats very nice sir we are glad that it turned out perfectly! Pin your comment to be seen at first
Random Channel, I didn’t know that you could pin it. Thanks!
supercool mate, too good
Great building instructions! Good ideas in detail and good explaned.
This was such a fun build. Thanks for watching.
Gene. Your always 1 upping your video's every time that I watch your videos. And like I said things you make are an inspiration to me like the telecaster build you did. Please keep the videos coming if possible because I think I can speak for everyone you're a great guy with awesome videos. 3 thumbs up if I could.
Allendale guitars. St Petersburg , Thanks so much for the great comments. This was a really fun project and I was surprised at how good it sounds and how much fun it is to play. Thanks again for always watching.
Thank you Gene. And God bless to you and your family. And pray we can stay in good health in this time of what's going on in the world.
Allendale guitars. St Petersburg ,Thank you my friend. May God bless you and your family too.
Nice Build. Love it.
Hakiman 3000, This was a really fun project and I’m really happy with the sound. Thanks for watching.
Thoroughly enjoyed your video Gene.
Thank you so much. This was a fun project. Thanks again for watching.
Did your son like his shoes? Man! I have those shoes and have used them for the past 10 years. I love them!
Me too! I grew up in shoes like that. Thanks for watching.
If I could like this video ten times over I would!! Looks great!
Thank you so much. This was a really fun project. I also really enjoy its sound and love playing it. Thanks again for watching.
Gene that was great now I'm thinking about making one my self or more when I get my work shop going thanks so much good stuff.
Thanks so much for watching.
Very cool! I've been wanting a cajon for awhile... and I have this old oak-topped desk that's just not proving to be too useful these days. I've only kept it because the wood is so nice. I'm thinking I might have a project for the winter break! Thanks!
Hi Dave, I love the idea of recycling wood. Oak should carry great tone too. Thanks so much for watching.
I love making music and this would be a great project for me! Thanks for sharing it with us!👍😎🎸🎶
74dart man, I was surprised at its sound and I can’t stop playing it. It was simple to build and I didn’t have 50 bucks in it. As always Dart man, thanks so much for watching.
@@DIYGene yep...thank you!👍😎🎸🎶
@@DIYGene I was just thinking...I want to build a speaker cabinet to be able to add an external speaker to my little tube amp. I could use the same techniques to build the speaker cabinet and build a drum at the same time. A two for one special!👍😎🎸🎶
Thank you very much from the Netherlands
Th Janssen , Thank you so much. I hope you enjoyed it.
Wow, I thought it was cool when it was just a box!! Very cool percussion drum box tutorial!!
Melinda , Thanks so much for watching.
Awesome video! Thanks 👍😊!
Thanks so much for watching.
Nice work! congratulations!
Thanks so much for watching!
The Bob Ross of wood finishing
Yup, happy trees. Lol. Thanks for watching.
Amazing
Really inspired video man!!keep a good work.worth channel!
Thank you for the encouragement and thanks so much for watching.
been wanting to make one this video is perfect!
Eddie Erwin ,Thus was a really fun project and easy to build. I was really surprised at how good it sounds and is a ball to play. Thanks so much for watching.
Awesome video! I’m going to try this!
This was a really fun project. And my son plays it more than I do. Thanks for watching.
Very helpful. I'll be using an old speaker box add the snare piece and a thin ply surface.
That will work perfectly. Thanks for watching.
What a great video, will have a go at this myself. Glad I came across this channel. Subscribed :)
This was a really fun project. I’m going to check out your DIY channel too. Thanks for watching.
Thanks Gene, used this for a school project
That is great. I hope it turns out fantastic. Thanks so much for watching.
Really awesome job!! I just recently posted my own video doing this using one of those DIY kits at home without many tools. I'm really impressed how yours turned out man, super slick! Quick question though, how did you create the logo on the drum? Did you use a vinyl-logo cutter and made a decal, or did you outsource that job, or did you use a stencil and paint on the logo on? Thanks again and excellent work!!
wonderful video, excellent work.
Thank you. This was a really fun project. Thanks again for watching.
Well done and good explained, I love it. Many greetings from Germany 👍🤗🙋♂️
Thank you so much. I hope you and your family are safe and have a Merry Christmas in Deutschland. Thank you again for watching.
@@DIYGene Very friendly, thanks. A very merry Christmas to you as well and I hope you and your family are safe too 🎄
Awesome
Nice build 😊👍🏻👍🏻
Thanks for watching.
So fine, buddy! Thanks!
Thanks for watching.
That was awesome, thanks.
This was a really fun project and it’s a lot of fun to play. Thanks for watching.
Nice... good job, thanks
Thanks so much for watching.
Thanks and God bless!
Oh, thank you so much. God bless you too.
Cool project
This was a really fun project. Thanks so much for watching.
great video, inspiring
This was a fun project. Thanks so much for watching.
Got to have clamps!! Nice work!!!!
I do need more clamps! LOL. Thanks so much for watching.
Enjoyed the video. I don’t have a workshop or a table saw. However, if ever i make a cajon drum I would dovetail those sides and leave out the corner reinforcement. This is a retired boat builder talking though.
I love the idea of the dovetail joints it would look fantastic. Thanks so much for watching.
Some people would like to try different wood combinations. My advice would be to listen to different guitar players that tap on guitars, find a sound you like, find the guitar brand being played, and figure out what their wood construction is. For better bass, consider a drum pedal mounted backwards, in front of the box, and use a felt hammer for the pedal. Also try mounting a microphone on the sound hole with rubber bands, so that it floats without touching any wood. You could try a different option, and attach a small eight-inch bass speaker, with the paper cone pointing into the sound hole, and connecting a XLR plug from the speaker to plug into a small PA system and adjust your tone and reverb effects for the bass and snare. One last idea is to not glue the snare blocks, but hold the assembly in place by going through them with a threaded rod which has a M8 Female Threaded Black Screw On Type Knurled Clamping Nuts Knob.
All great suggestions. Especially the wood. Tone is different with different density of wood. Thanks again for the suggestions and for watching.
great build :)
Thank you for watching.
Thank you Sir 👌
Thanks so much for watching.
Nice build! A piezo pickup inside would be nice. A large cheap one so you could catch up a deeper kick. 👍
ST RT , That’s a great idea ! Thanks
Nice workshop dude... I need a few more power toys...
Thanks
Thanks for watching.
Good job
Thanks so much. This was a really fun project. Thanks again for watching.
Very great and instructive video, keep it up - greetings from Germany
Hello Heinz, Thanks so much. How are things in Deutschland?
@@DIYGene the wether could be better;-) I'm currently in the process of building your telecaster acoustic version... Another fantastic build. Just found your channel and have already learned a lot
@@heinzdoofenshmirtz2025, Sorry about the weather, but have a great time building the Telecaster.
@@DIYGene thank you:)
Here I am thinking that even with all your shaking, I would still trust your tools in your hands as opposed to mine. Great work!
Well if I can still create with my shaking hand, I really want folks to know anyone can do it. Thanks again for watching.
Well Done
This was a really fun project and I play it a lot. Thanks so much for watching.
🤜🤛 good job 👍
Thanks so much for watching.
Bangin mate
This was a fun project. Thanks so much for watching.
I really love this. You could have put strings across the top so that you have a snare sound and lower down you would have a bass drum sound. That would be really cool.
You are right. I think you could position the snare stings higher to give a stronger snare and deeper bass. I have also seen videos that mane the snare strings adjustable so you can change the sound of the Cajon. I may try doing that. Thanks so much for watching.
Hey man, really nice work! This is my first attempt at building anything like this! I followed you the whole way through... Probably gave ya like at least 10 views! Still working on the "toppa" ↩️❔ pretty excited to see how it turns out! Your a good teacher! Thank you!
I’m excited for you. Please let me know how it turns out. Thanks for watching.
@@DIYGene I wanna say thanks again also for the quick reply. Hey it turned out really good! It's not perfect but that's what kind of does make it perfect, if that makes sense? I elected to sand off the polyurethane from the toppa and discovered a really nice feel for it... Pretty flipp'n sweet! Can't stop playing it... My girlfriend doesn't share my excitement but ya. Peace
@@fitzzwell, great idea on the toppa. The feel being just right is so cool.
Very good job. You do a great job explaining every step. What did you use for your label on the front?
Thank you. I used waterslide decals I made with an inkjet printer. Here is a video I did on this process: th-cam.com/video/LxvNNmE8c9s/w-d-xo.html
Thanks again for watching.
superb
Thanks so much for watching.
Right on
Thanks so much for watching.
Great Great Great!!
Thank you so much for watching.
Thanks I have a friend who is music ly inclined but has no use of his fingers I gave and tied them on with rubber bands but I think this would be easier for him and I've always wanted to make one for myself thank you so much
That's supposed to say I tried drumsticks on his hands with rubber bands
I think it would work better too. The cation is a ball to play and I hope it works for him. Thanks so much for watching.
Good man⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thanks so much for watching.
That is a great video, perfect directions for me to attempt to build my own. By the way what is the song in then background that is playing while you are working.
This has been one of my favorite projects and still enjoy playing it. I’m not sure of the song I used. I pulled it from TH-cams music library. Thanks so much for watching.
thanks u sar🙏🙏🙏
Thanks so much for watching.
Would different finishes affect the tone much? What to avoid?
I like it
Thanks so much for watching.
I don't know. I liked the other piece of wood. I like the "Spalted" top look. Great work.
Thanks so much for watching.
That's a nice job, Gene. What a great idea for an acoustic set! Also, do I see that beard coming back, or is it just a no-shave weekend? ;-)
nitramyar , Thanks! And I don’t know how far I will take the beard. As always, thanks again for watching.
Cool! Really nice touch! Make some more music videos with this. Check out Juzzie Smith and how he uses a pedal. It would be really interesting to see your take on that. Mic it up with sm58 and some badass amps!
Thanks! I will definitely check out Juzzie Smith. Also is the sm58 the best choice for a procession mic? I have been thinking of picking one up. Thanks again for watching.
@@DIYGene I do believe it is the best. But check out "will it chug" with ola. He uses many different settings. Mainly sm58. Various amps. And he is really funny. Scroll through his playlist and you may be able to find the right video quicker. I actually understand if u don't try so hard with the music bcoz that is an entirely different video. U would have to believe you are Bruce Springsteen or someone... No wait! You are Gordon Lightfoot!! I think for guys like you and me we better sit down and record for twenty minutes. Then go back and find the one minute that is best. Then maybe scroll text in the video explaining the connection with the build. And then just stop. Bcoz who is a rock artist really?
@@DIYGene I went to the juzzie smith video and wrote #diygene as if it would help.
I really enjoyed your video. The Cajon turned out so beautiful. Just a few questions. So I know that it can be made of different wood how would that effect the sound? Could you build this with hand tools if that’s all you have? Thank you so much for you to take time of your day and make this video.
Yes, I definitely think you could build it with hand tools. The sound tone does reflect the type of woods you use. Very much like solid guitar bodies. I think you can select some pre-cut lumber from the big box stores that can take a lot of the cutting for you. Also Lowe’s and Home Depot will make basic cuts for you at a nominal fee. I hope that helps. Thanks so much for watching.
Well done! Curious about hole diameter. Any ideas about how different size holes or different shapes might affect sound?
I have wondered the same thing. Or even the location. Could you get more bass by locating it towards the bottom? I think acoustic guitars are the same way. Thanks so much for watching.
Good job Gene, I enjoyed watching you progressing on the Cajon. What are the thicknesses you used for the wood, esp. for the frontside? I first didn't think making a Cajon myself, but when I saw you working on it, I got interested, and I may indeed give it a try myself! Thanks already for the inspiration!
o, ... greetings from Belgium!
The sides are 3/4” and the face is about 1/8” it is actually a door skin. I realize that in Belgium it’s probably metric so I hope you can convert. Thanks so much for watching.
Nice video, thank you. Is there a reason why you use titebond 2 instead of 1 or 3 on this project?
No not really, it happened to be what I had on hand. It has held really well. Thanks so much for watching.
I love your build and have a few questions. Do you think rounding the braces that you put inside would have made a difference in sound? Also, what do you think about using hardwood vs softwood for a cajon? I really enjoyed your build.
I don’t think the bracing make a difference in the sound. Only because a acoustic guitar has a lot of square edge bracing through out the inside. I do think the wood has definitely different sound tones. I would be curious to hear them .
Thanks so much for watching.
@@DIYGene Martin scallops the bracing on their higher ends. I’m going to attempt something similar on my supports following your build here. Just bought the wood today.
@@biosec9361 , that’s great I hope it turns out fantastic. Thank for watching.
Good morning, I just came a cross your video and is so much fun to watched you build this cajon Box, I would like to build one for my that who has Parkinson, he loves playing the Conga drums and I thing he would have a blast playing this instrument as well, I didn't see the dimensions for the back can you be kind to indicate, Thank you for this wounderfull video and keep them coming. Stay safe and well. Regards.
Hello, Yes I should. have given those dimensions. after cutting grooves in the sides, I cut the back at 11.5" x 17.75". But you might want to cut that after you have grooved the sides as to get a better fit. I hope your dad is doing well. My dad also had Parkinson's. I have what is called Essential Tremmors and the Cajon is a great drum to play. I hope that helps and enjoy the process of building.
Gene
nice
Thanks again!
hi dude, please make travel/ mini cajon ❤️
That's the instrument, if you made it smaller it wouldn't be a cajon. 😆 Haw smaller do you need it, it can basically fit in a backpack. If it was smaller it would be uncomfortable to sit on.
I've thought about making one for me and my husband (we're both drummers). My husband played the one I'm playing now and he had a really hard time with the depth of it (11" W x 10.25 D x 19" H). It's way too shallow for him to sit on. It kept trying to turn over with him. As for me, it's a little wide for me, as I'm a little bitty female. What do you think the difference in the sound would be, if I make one with the dimensions of 10.5" W x 13" D x 19" H? So it .5" less width, and 1- 3/4" deeper, but would be the same height. What 's your thoughts about the sound difference?
I don’t think it would make a big difference. You may get a little more bass from a larger box and a bit sharper from a smaller box. But that’s what is great about building one is it’s customized for you. I made mine to get the max out of the material I purchased. Thanks so much for watching.
What tools do you recommend for someone who doesn't have the budget for powertools?
I would go to Home Depot and pick the basic lumber that I used in the video and have Home Depot cut the large materials for you. Then I would invest in a $20 orbital sander from harbor freight or even amazon and do your sanding. The rest is really pretty easy. I hope that helps. Thanks for watching.
Gene do you recommend buying a table saw to make the cuts needed to build this? thank you.
You could use a circular saw and get the job done. I have a Delta portable table saw that runs about $300.
amzn.to/37fkwGH
But you can also go to places like Harbor Tool and get one for around $120. I hope that helps.
@@DIYGene thanks! I am going to try and make this for my dad. I will be following your video along very closely!
@@celestes1534, I hope you enjoy making it as much as I did. I can’t believe how good it sounds. Let me know if I can answer any questions.
Nice, Video, Wolverine! Can you show me how to make a square or circular, cardboard-box, bass-drum, That costs under $30, To build, Please?
⛔️ I wonder if you put a 12” (or whatever the width is on the Cajon) x 1/2”x1/2” stick across the front about 6” down from top to better separate the Snare sound from the Base sound? Just wonderin’. And, maybe a thinner piece on back for tone ? : j
I have thought about actually putting a solid baffle at about mid point to see if it would give separated tone between snare and bass. You idea may be better. Thanks for watching.
Nice Job. My friends and I play the Cajon every time we get together. I just mad one with an adjustable snare. An external knob controls how much snare I want.
I'm thinking of building another with the adjustable snare. Thanks for watching.
what do you think about a W x H inch or two bigger for larger people to make more comfortable for there size I'm a larger man and weight let me know thanks
Absolutely! I based mine on my size. I know it would work great. Maybe even have a richer deeper sound. Thanks so much for watching.
Thanks so much Lords will now I've got out Building now I can get my work shop back going thanks so much May GOD Bless
@@ernestmorrison4408, God bless you too, Brother.
I wonder how walnut would work and sound I have tons
I think walnut would work excellent! It will definitely have a different tone. But I bet it’s a richer deeper tone. I would love to hear it. Thanks for watching.
Does a cajon need a snare inside or can it be built without a snare ? The reason I am asking is that a snare is a hard (near impossible) to find item where I live.
You could go without the snare but would loose that sharp sound towards the top of the Cajon if you can’t find the snare material perhaps you could experiment buy running wire back and forth towards the top between nails to create a snare? I hope that makes sense. Thanks for watching.
@@DIYGene Thank you for the answer. I will try to see what can be done in the way that you described.
make ajustable for the senar drum inside the cajon box
You are right. This was my first and it was so much fun. My next one will definitely have an adjustable snare. Thanks so much for watching.
@@DIYGene
Nice.... i will waiting the next vidio
How many time in total did you spend to build it?
That’s hard to say. But I would guess a about 10 to 12 hours. Thanks for watching.
is the hole a 4 inch diameter or radius?
I made it 4.25”. But 4” will work too. Thanks for watching.
@@DIYGene Diameter or radius?
Sorry, it is the diameter.
The front sheet is of What thickness ?
Drummer Boy Rohan . It is 1/8”.
@@DIYGene mm ?
beaut
Thanks for watching.
Do you have any regrets making your snares stationary rather than adjustable?
So far no. I think if it was adjustable it would stay in this position all the time. I have thought about building another and making the snare adjustable just to compare. Thanks for the great question.
What is the cost of whole cajon
The materials are under $75. I have placed links in the description below the video to all the materials for building it. I hope that helps. Thanks so much for watching.
Why’d you use glue instead is screws or nails?
The box frame is glued together. But the Toppa or face of the drum is screwed on to let you adjust the tension of the drum for sound. Thanks for watching.
@@DIYGene awesome thanks
if it doesn't work then its how to make a bird house lol
LOL! My son sat down to play it the other day and our kitten came flying out of it. I think it scared both to death. Thanks for watching.
@@DIYGene lmao!!!!
For 100 bucks you can get a dado set to make those lap joints in one pass.
That’s probably right. Thanks for watching.
Thanks but did you say 5/8 ??? Do you think your great-great-great-great-great-great-great-grandchildren will finally adopt the metric system ??? Or will you wait for the next crash of your Mars shuttle with 200 settlers on board ???
I'm sorry, but it is the only measurement system I know, and how the material is marked.
*C L A M P S*
Tswissie , Thanks so much for watching!