How to Build a Cajon Drum
The cajon is a Spanish percussion instrument, a sort of box drum. It is comprised of a resonating box with a thin wooden striking head called a tapa. Most cajons also have a set of snares running underneath the tapa to create a distinctive rattling tone. The cajon is an instrument that is relatively easy to craft. You can build your own at home with the right set of tools, some plywood and a set of guitar strings.
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Things You'll Need
- Sheet of 3/4" plywood
- Sheet of 1/8" plywood
- 1" x 5/8" x 66" piece of hardwood
- Guitar strings
- Nails
- Hammer or nail gun
- Clamps
- Drill with 1/4" drill bit
- Jigsaw
- Wood glue
- 1/4" dowel rod
- Level
- T square
Instructions
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1
Cut your 3/4" plywood into the box panels for the cajon. The top and bottom pieces will be 14" x 14", the sides will be 20" x 13.5", and the back will be 20" x 14".
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2
Cut the tapa---or the striking head---of the cajon out of 1/8" plywood. This piece should measure 14" x 21".
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3
On the back piece, mark a dot that is 4 3/8" from the bottom and 6 3/4" from the side. Use a compass to trace a circle with a 6 1/4" diameter using this dot as the center point.
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4
Drill a hole at the center point and use a jigsaw to cut out the circle from the cajon side. This will be the sound hole.
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5
Assemble the box using wood glue and nails. If you have clamps large enough to hold the glued seams tight, using them will produce the best result. An air-powered nail gun will also make this task easier. Use a level and T square to make sure the sides of your cajon are even.
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6
Cut the wooden frame pieces from a piece of 1" x 5/8" hardwood such as hickory. Cut two 19" lengths, an 11 3/4" length and a 13" length.
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7
Assemble the frame so that it is mounted inside the box, flush with the open side. The 13" piece should run along the top, the two 19" pieces are the sides, and the 11 3/4" piece is the bottom. Use wood glue, nails and clamps to secure the pieces to the inside of the box and allow them to dry.
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8
Drill 1/4" holes in the frame to mount the guitar strings. There will be two sets in the top of the frame. Measure 3 1/2" in from one side then drill three holes that are spaced evenly 1" apart. Measure in 3 1/2" from the other side and do the same. Measure 3 3/4" down each side and drill three holes spaced an inch apart.
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9
Run guitar strings between each set of holes. The set of holes on the left side of the top will be run to the left side of the frame, with the string from the outermost hole being run to the top most hole on the side, the middle hole's string to the middle hole on the side, and the inner hole to bottom the hole on the side. The strings should pass over the top of the frame with their loose ends hanging into the box. Repeat for the right side.
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10
Pull the strings taut and use pieces of 1/4" dowel to wedge them in place from the inside of the frame.
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11
Mount the tapa on the open side of the box, making sure it is flush with the edges of the cajon. Nail the tapa in place.
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12
Sand the cajon smooth, and decorate or paint to your liking.
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Tips & Warnings
Use different gauge guitar strings to create different tones from your cajon. You could craft a hinged side of the cajon so that you will be able to change the strings easily.
Use a router to round the edges to refine the look of your cajon.
