How to Make a Bass Cajon Drum

Cut the 2-by-4 planks to size in order to make a box frame.

The cajon bass drum is a box-shaped wooden drum that you strike with your hands. It has a deep tone similar, but distinct from that of a traditional bass drum. The cajon bass drum has a hole in one side. You can control the projection of the sound by rotating the drum to face in different directions. By making your own cajon drum, you can save money and own a unique instrument built to your exact specifications.

Things You'll Need

• Hack saw
• 80-grit sandpaper
• Hammer
• 4-inch nails
• Electric drill with 1/8-inch bit
• Screws
• Phillips screw driver
• 4 pieces 20-by-40-inch plywood
• 2 pieces 20-by-20-inch plywood
• Snare from a snare drum
• Scrap 2-by-4-inch planks
• Measuring tape
• Compass
• Router or handheld rotary cutter

Instructions

1. Saw the 2-by-4 plank into four 40-inch sections and eight 20-inch sections.

2. Sand the edges of each section so it is smooth.

3. Lay a 20-inch section of 2-by-4 on your work bench. Stand a 40-section next to it so the edges are flush, drive a 4-inch screw through the outside of the 40-inch section to secure it against the 20-inch section. Do the same on the other side so you have three-fourths of a rectangle.

4. Place a second 20-inch section of 2-by-4 on your bench. Turn the nailed-together sections upside down and position the second 20-inch section between the two 40-inch sections. Drive a nail into the outside of each 40-inch section to secure them both. This creates a rectangular frame. Build a second rectangular frame of equal dimensions.

5. Make two square frames with the remaining 2-by-4, using hammer and nails.

6. Nail the four frames together to create a box-shape.

7. Glue the snare into the inside of the frame. The snare comprises a series of metal springs, connected at each end to plastic strips. Glue the plastic strips to the inside of either a 20-inch or 10-inch long section of 2-by-4. Where you position the snare is a matter of preference. For a lot of resonance, place it at the top.

8. Place the completed box frame to one side.

9. Drill a series of six holes in the edge of each plywood board.

10. Use a measuring tape to determine the center of one 20-by-40-inch board.

11. Adjust your compass so the gap between the point and the pencil is 2 1/2 inches. Place the point of the compass on the center mark and draw a circle. This creates a 5-inch circle.

12. Cut or route a 5-inch diameter hole in the center of one of the 20-by-40-inch boards, using a router with a circular bit.

13. Screw the plywood boards onto the box frame.

Tips & Warnings

• If you intend to sit on the drum as you play it, use thicker wood for the frame.

References

• Cajon Drums: Can I Build a Cajon Drum?
• Tom Hofstatter: Box O'Drums -- DIY Cajon