I've been playing drums for decades - but my bandmates bought me an inexpensive cajon and told me I have a gig in 3 days. Obviously, I'm looking through UA-cam vids for tips - but this video was interesting. I actually liked the bass sounds of the cheaper model better, but the more expensive model was the clear winner. The "snares" were heard even at low volumes, and the sides had a GREAT conga tone. As someone who mostly plays the drumset, I probably would never need a high-end cajon - but I'd definitely buy one if I were to record in a studio. Thanks for this!
Unbelievable, I'm a Cajon player beginner, I just have about one month with it, which means I do not know as much as some of the experienced people in this field. But, despite my amateurism, I noticed a remarkable difference between the two Cajon actually. The snare and bass sound from the expensive one is much cleaner, clearer, and involving than the cheaper one. Nonetheless, both still sound good
Do you think so? I really like both and actually, for the gigs I use a lot the Tango. The Martinete line I use more for studio recording because it's more sensitive.
This point can’t be overstated when it comes to expensive instruments. There are $300 guitars that I love…they sounds great and they play amazing. But they don’t inspire me like my PRSs (which cost well over ten times as much).
@@manifestgtr The real question is: would that PRS still inspire you if it retailed for $300 and would that actual $300 guitar inspire you more if it looked like the PRS?
@@ryanwilson5936 It just wouldn’t retail for that little. The work they put into their Maryland guitars is too intense. They do, however, offer $500 imported models which are *really* nice. Do you play them with quite the same passion as a USA? Maybe, maybe not…depends on your tastes I suppose.
@@manifestgtr I know how much PRS’s go for. Their affordable models are nice and I’d like one very much and I’m jealous of your expensive one lol…. but you didn’t answer my question :) I like to make people think 🤷♂️
Well done comparison, love hearing you play! Quite honestly I couldn’t tell much of a difference, certainly for non-professional use there’s no reason to pay $1200 when for $200 I can get something that sounds quite good.
I actually like what I would call the snappiness of the $200.00 Cajon. The $1,200.00 Cajon is obviously a masterpiece of wood and craftsmanship however, do you really want to beat the crap out of something like that as a touring or struggling musician? If you have the $1,200.00 for the masterpiece, just throw in an extra $200.00 and get both. This way you can have a masterpiece and one to beat up. If you don't have the money, just get the $200.00 one and play the hell out of it. Great Video!
Listening and comparing virtually all of the Meinl Artisan cajons through this and many other videos, my two favorites are these two here: the Meinl Tango Line Limba Cajon and the Meinl Artisan Martinete Line Brazilian Ironwood Cajon--ironically the very bottom of the Artisan series and the very top of the Artisan series. The Meinl Artisan Martinete Line Brazilian Ironwood Cajon sounds the most beautiful to me, but since I really can't justify or afford the high expense of that one, I'm very happy to be able to afford my second favorite sounding cajon in the Meinl Artisan series: the Meinl Tango Line Limba Cajon.
Highly noticeable and much better sound coming from the Martinete Line. Pitch is noticeably higher as well as solid/full, producing a generally much more satisfying sound which is probably due to the solid wood contruction. I'm a beginner and won't be able to afford it but I challenge myself to get good so then I'd be worthy of this gem. Thanks for doing this comparison, Felipe! 😍
Just went to a music store today and tried out a bunch of different Cajons, between Schlagwerk, Sela and Meinl I tried a lot of different Models, but the Meinl Artisan Tango is just incredible for the price. (The Martinete was also there and just a joy to hold and play, but I'm not about to spend 1200€ on my first Cajon haha) At 200€ none of the other Cajons came close in terms of sound and overall build quality and feel to the Tango, so I bit the bullet and got it. Your videos have been a great source of inspiration and knowledge for playing Cajon these last few days, I feel like it helped me a lot for starting out and choosing what I want, keep doing what you do, your charisma is contagious! Kind wishes from Germany!
The more expensive cajon sounds distinctly better to me, it's all about the range. That's really hard to hear through a UA-cam video though. I've been playing hand percussion instruments for 30 years and it's still hard to hear tonal differences without playing them, yet, when you play them in person it is noticable instantly. It's often the unusual sounds that you play that make the most difference rather than the basic beats, but the range you can feel makes a tremendous difference when you're a very experienced drummer. It really really makes a difference. I can definitely hear the difference hear, but all of that being said, it's simply not enough of a difference to matter to most people who haven't played for years. But when you play it, you can take feel it, quite distinctly.
B for sure. It’s sound was so much more pronounced and separate from each other. But I don’t think it’s a $1000 difference, although it is a beautiful piece of art so certainly that adds much value.
Don't like B. Sounds like a marching band bass. If you like listening to that kinda stuff, then sure. Perfect robust bass punch on A and more dynamic and lively for a variety of genres.
This was interesting. Since the beginning of the video I was aiming at which one I like the most, not which I thought was the most expensive one, and I think that should always be approach. A more expensive instrument doesn't necessarily equate to you liking it more or it sounding better to you, it all depends on your preferences. Having said that, in this particular case, I like the most expensive one better because, to me, it has more low-end than the cheaper one. Now, I don't think that I like it 6 times more than the cheaper one... so, factoring everything in, I would go with the $200 one. It's still a great cajon, sounds great and, if I'm recording it or playing live with a mic on it and need a little bit more low-end, I can always use EQ to compensate.
thanks for your comment Federico. I like you point. The Tango line is much cheaper but still really good cajon. I would love to listen to your recordings if you get the tango ;)
@@CajonMaster Actually I am a intermediate drummer. Few days back I had a gig where I had to play kajon. This instrument was new to me. Then I decided to go online and I found YOU. I took your lessons. And I burned my gig. Thank you so much for making everything easy and effective for me. Best wishes. Lots of love ❤ from India🇮🇳.
Hey Felipe! I'm a bit late to the party, but I'm planning to snag either a Fandango or a Martinete model from Meinl quite soon... I'm noticing that there's not many reviews or demos of the Martinete in spite of it being Meinl/Pepote's top of the line product... really glad to see you featuring it in this video, would love to see more of it!
This is a great cajon! Fandango also very good. Which kind of music you normally play? The Martinete is a great cajon but the Fandango is a bit more versatile in my opinion.
Very late comment lol~ Can't recall why I haven't commented below this wonderful video of these magnificent, beautiful looking and sounding cajons!! Both sounds magnificent for their price point, but the Martinete line has a much more pronounced and clear, punchy bass tone. For the snare sound, it has less of a "woody" ghost note tone, instead it has a clear, crisp, and sensitive, almost hi-hat-like tone. The tango line is still indeed a masterpiece considering its price point and that it's handmade in Spain. For my personal choice, I chose the Seguiriya line Rosewood Cajon, it sounds absolutely gorgeous to my ears, and it's absolutely worth its price tag. By the way, I'll be joining your online courses in the near future and I'm ready to practice and be better on the cajon every single day💪💪
One thing to note is every Cajon can be tuned as well, some with tunabled snare or strings too. So its possoble to tune it to have the near perfect sound both in bass and snare or high pitch
Hello, Meinl have a name. But for me their high prices cajons are not in equality with their quality. I tried so much Meinl cajon, but never love the snare side. For me there are not really good artisan. Just a Huge name, because of Cymbals. Since 4 years i moved to Jleiva cajon from Andalousia. And the comparison are not possible. They have true artisan cajon. The DTS system is just amazing. All their cajon and even 200 dollars cajon are amazing, their snare side are out of world. True flamenco sound. One week ago, i order their Jleiva Omeya Master Carbon. An amazing piece of art. For less of 1000 dollars. This is my feeling.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, appreciate that. These 2 cajons are handmade in Spain by the artisan Hernadez Días Pepote (Pepote Percussion) . As I've said, the price is in the artcraft, the contruction and material used to build it. But of course, this is totally a matter of taste and if you feel good and inspired when you play your cajons, this is the most important. thanks again ;)
I built my own Cajon from scrap wood, hickory, oak and maple. And the Tappa is made from MDF stained with cocoa color stain. I originally made it from polar wood, but I kept having an issue with it creaking down the seams. The MDF is a more solid piece, and is not near as likely to crack. I made it quite a bit bigger than most Cajons. It is 14x24" I am a taller guy, and so it is quite comfortable for me to play.
Holy sh*t, the bass separation when he's hitting the high note is incredible in the more expensive cajon, it also sounds crispier at the high end, you can really tell that's a better crafted instrument. I like to think I'm gonna get one someday, but my Headliner will do just fine for now haha
Admittedly, there is a considerable difference in the tone between these two examples. To the beginner it probably is not a critical difference because firstly, the way the demonstrator plays them is likely to make a bigger difference to the way a beginner might play it. I have heard a pro- drummer play one and makes a very cheap one sound much better than when I'm playing it. It's all very much in the wrists and how the hands and fingers strike the panels. I am also thinking that the sound we hear in this demonstration is recorded through a microphone/devices etc but we are hearing it through speakers or a headphone. Even my cheap and nasty cajon sounds better than to the naked ear in a room. There is however, a distinct difference between a classic high quality constructed cajon to a budget version for the reasons explained in this demonstration to make a point. Thank you Cajon Master. They are both very nice units!
I guessed correctly. The more expensive one definitely has a tighter low end and cleaner, crisper, more present top end. That said, I sort of prefer the sound of the cheaper one on its own. Hearing them both played in a full band mix might change my opinion.
The expensive one has much more balanced sound, a huge difference. But the cheap one doesn't sound bad, maybe the playing style can be adjusted and not hit as had on the "snare" sound?
Good point! The Tango cajon is less sensitive but of course sounds very good as well. And you're right, need to adapt the way you play to get the best from the instrument.
Seems the snare is the biggest difference. There is a tad more warmth in the bass on B, but the cheaper one has a thinner snare. Up the snare game on the cheap one and EQ the bass a bit and you can save 1000.00.
Cheap one has a better bass sound But u screwed up by playing them too differently. Full on high hat for the nice one, and a basic, barren beat for the cheap one
the Expensive one had a clearer, Deeper Tone, but no sure if it' worth the extra $1000 for my taste.. If it's your professional career, then go for it.
Just stumbled across your channel now - love these videos and hope you remain active on You Tube. Saw and heard a Cajon for the first time at an intimate concert and loved the sound so much I want to give it a whirl for myself - Not sure if it was a Flamenco or Snare Cajon though! Although a complete newbie to playing any musical instrument, I have always been drawn to percussion instruments and the Cajon seems to be a perfect place to start experimenting - thanks for the channel !
I own the Cantina and Seguiriya cajons from the same Artisan line. The Cantina has a deep bass tone and has an angled faceplate that’s easier access. The Seguiriya has THE TASTIEST snare tone ever. Nothing compares to it. But it is not as bassy as the Cantina. Both are exceptional instruments. If they could merge the two with the best features of both, that would be most welcome but I’m glad I have these. They are definitely worth checking out, and are a lot cheaper than the Fandango or Martinete models. Bear in mind that I made my first cajon, got it signed by Rubem Dantas because I showed him how to change the pitch with my left foot back in 1995. Now everyone does that. The next cajon I bought was a used one for $30. I put the strings in it to give it a rasp. It was stolen in 2015. Oh well. That’s why I bought these Meinl cajons. They are great!
Hi Michael, thanks for sharing this story, I would love to see the cajon signed by Ruben Dantas :) I have the Cantina Line and it's one of my favourites, you can see it in most of my recent videos. I think it has everything I need in one cajon. Good bass and slap and the angle in the front it's a great idea! The Seguiriya it's also great. You should check out the new Cantina line Subwoofer, it has a great bass sound and a different design, worth checking. Keep enjoying this beautiful boxes ;) thanks again
Both have very good separation of bass and snare tones but the Martinete seems to have much tighter punchiness to it that I feel makes it more articulate.
Great video! It's really interesting to see the differences between the cheaper and more expensive cajons. The detailed comparison helps highlight the value of investing in higher-quality instruments. As the owner of Kopf Percussion, I can definitely relate to the importance of craftsmanship and sound quality in percussion instruments. Keep up the informative content! 🎶🥁👏
For a more experienced cajon player who would use it often, you would be best buying the higher end instrument. That being said, I prefer the sound of the entry level instrument.
The Martinette has much richer bass & snare tones - they sound more like real drums! Do you have a guide video for buying the best sounding cajon with limited budget? It seems like the solid wood & more strings make the difference.
Hi Jeremy, thanks for your comment. You can check my latest reviews in the "unboxing and reviews playlist". I will post more "budget friendly" cajon reviews this year, stay tuned for that. Thanks again 😉
I honestly prefer the cajon that sounds the best for the music i'm playing. I have a Pearl Brush Beat that has a great lower bass tone but my cheaper Pearl Primero Music Town has crisper snare and sounds so much cleaner even without the punchy bass. I moved to cajons when I couldn't have a full set but having played both high end and low end Gretsch/DW/Sonar/Pearl/Ludwig/Tama sets and everything in between, the sound difference is exactly the same, it's all in how the drums are tuned and played. Play what sounds good to you and enjoy it, that makes all the difference.
🪘The $1,200 Martinete model has a slightly more clear & refined snare sound. Also, its bass sound is lower and ever so slightly more punchy. The Martinete's high note(snare drum) sound is also _maybe_ slightly preferable. But I think the $200 Tango is 80% as good all around as the much more expensive Martinete model.
thank you, it's clear for me the diff. The cheaper has bad separation between high and low, that's why "hi hat" effect doesn't come out from the cheap one. The expensive one offers very crisp treble
HI FELIPPE - BOTH SOUND GOOD BUT I PREFER THE NATURAL RICHER SOUND FROM THE MORE EXPENSIVE CAJON. I GUESS THE CHEAPER ONE COULD BE MADE TO SOUND BETTER OR RICHER BY CAREFUL USE OF EQ IN THE MIX. KEEP THESE GREAT VIDEOS ROLLING PLEASE ! BEST WISHES - EDDIE - UK .
Just heard about these and clicking around to check them out. I suppose that when choosing, it is just like buying speakers for your stereo system (or headphones). Buy what sounds best to you (not what others say). If you are lucky, you can get the $200 instrument. If that sounds fine to you, great! There is no reason to buy a Ferrari to drive to work if your Camry does the job for you.
The cheap cajon has a shrill sound, is hard to hit, and doesn't bounce too much. The expensive cajon has a deeper bass, and the bounce of the hand is good. When you played expensive, the feelings appeared more intense.
My girlfriend bought a brand new cajon for my birthday for me. It was around 75$ and it sounds great. I constantly get very positive feedback on its sound both mic'd and unmic'd😊
How about at $400? Not crazy high or cheap cheap? I am referring to the Kopf Percussion S Series HANDCRAFTED (each unique) here in the United States. Since 2010. They make them with Birch and sound fantastic! They produce them from start to finish ALL under one roof in ONE location in the state of Georgia...of all places. You really need to check them out!
Gonna get a Tango for $100 tomorrow, but even for full price, if I had the choice between the two, I feel the Martinette is more of a collectors item and I would full send for a Tango. It (the Martinette) does indeed have more snap in the snare and bass in the kick, but if i really wanted that kind of sound quality, I'd go for the pearl boombox for $500 instead of the $1200 Martinette. The Tango sounds incredible for its price point, the bass is pretty stellar for how much you're paying. Take it from a guy who's played for 6 years, I've played on almost any brand of cajon line you can name and am just about to start building up my collection, the Tango is much better than the Martinette. I might pick a Martinette up later just for the collectors piece, but for what it does and for what else is out there, its gonna be my final buy if i ever do get one
For me, the biggest difference is that the most expensive one has a lower sound. Other than this, I suppose the feeling of playing it might be more comfortable. The less expensive one could be better in certain circumstances. Ex: If you prefer the snare sound in a Cajon, the cheaper one is your first choice and it will do a better job than the most expensive one could ever do. But personally, the most expensive one makes more sense in a recording setting because of the lower frequency that will leave more space for other instruments and sound better only because of this fact. If you put a sidechain compressor on the bass with the source being the 40 to 100 hz range of the Cajon, you will have an amazing sound that the higher-pitched Cajon won't be able to deliver using the same technique.
It's funny because I think they both sound good obviously you are paying for more than just the sound with a higher end model but I don't think I would be unhappy with either
Funny, I'm no percussionist but I liked the Tango best. it seemed to have a slightly lower, looser Bass than the Martinete. The Martinete sound (for me) was just tighter. My son-in-law who is a musician says "tighter is better" when it comes to drums. but I personally liked the looser, deeper sound of the Tango.
I don't even know what a cajon is supposed to sound like. But the cheap one sounded much more versatile. You could get a bass drum sound, snare and congas out of one box and the expensive one sounded like hitting a table.
I'm with you on this one. I've played cajon for a few years now, and that cheaper one had a much fuller sound. If you're playing in an acoustic act, you need to be able to fill the lower end frequencies. If you're just responsible for percussion in a full band setup (that has a standard kick drum), I can see where the slightly more focused sound of the more expensive one might be easier to make cut through a bit more. Hard to justify the extra $1,000 for something that could probably be done with eq and compression though. Just my 2 cents though.
not one is better than the other one but rather different. It's the same argument as always with expensive vs cheap. Same happens with, say acoustic guitars (there's a video of a versus on a $ 275.000 nylon string guitar, check it out!) People throw the usual arguments: materials, brand, character, blah blah... lt's all about the SOUND; which, in the end, is very subjective; it's all about what you LIKE. Particularly if you pretend to convince me to drop $1.000 more for something that sounds different rather than better, forget it my friend!!
I think the $200 one is the one I would take and save $1,000. It sounds great and throw in some acoustic guitars and vocals and would sound even better.
I have a Tango. Absolutely love it. However, If you use a lot of finger rolls when you play, the Limba may be a better choice, the Limba has more snare strings which increases the snare sensitivity (a.k.a. very light taps will still produce a good, distinct snare sound.) and they can be tuned. Another thing not mentioned is the Limba has a special coating on the surface of the tapa which is used for a type of drum roll where you slide your fingers down the face, allowing them to "chitter" over the surface. That coating helps a lot. It's the same reason good tambourines have a surface more like sandpaper.
The $1200 cajon does Not sound $1000 better. Not even close. I have owned 5 different cajons and played several, but my Gon Bops Alex Acuna edition is by far the best best I’ve ever played and it’s only $400 Great video!
Wow how i wish i could have a cajon like u sir i really want to have a cajon but money is d problem im from the Philippines sir. I always watch ur video wish i could play like u.., 😍😍😍
The more expensive one sounds better. But generally speaking, I like how most cajons do sound pretty good. Some of the super cheap one's sound bad. But the instrument in general feels more affordable than other drums. Probably because of the simple design.
@@CajonMaster that would be amazing. Ty. I have one blue question. In looking at purchasing my first Cajón (drummer for 20+ years) and I'm debating on the Meinl Artisan Tango and the Meinl Woodcraft string Cajón. I know you have a video on the Tango line but is there truly a $100 difference between these two Cajóns sound wise? I'm looking for snappy top end and some decent low end. I realize that build quality is definitely better with the Tango
The sound quality of $1200 is good, which is closer to the sound of jazz drums. The researchers' invention is great. I hope they can invent a sound more like a military drum in the future.
They sound the same to me. I guessed correctly only bc you were playing better on B (different beats) so I could tell you were happier playing b there for that must be the more expensive one. But sound wise they’re the same 🤷♂️
I was hoping not to hear such a clear difference :-( The $1200 Cajon's bass sounds dryer and lower and there is overall more separation between lows and highs. It's like a sound engineer pre-scooped out all the muddy and unwanted frequencies and built thats into the cajon. A sound technicians dream to Mic up.
The bass sound on the $200 cajon has somewhat of a tone. The $1200 cajon has a nice solid thump. However, I would stick with the $200 one. But I'm kinda poor.
The more expensive cajon has a solid sound. The cheaper one, the sound is hollow. Unfortunately I play with a cheaper one. Maybe one day I'll have the money to afford a better sound.
Leave your thoughts here! I would love to know 😉
$200 cajon has brighter sound while the $1200 cajon has a deeper tone
@@russelladams7627 Which one would you choose then ?
@@Dems-fk8sh probably the $200
@@russelladams7627 Great, thank you !
Love the cajon and love your vids.
B is much more sensitive on the snare response, the bass note is both deeper and punchier, as well as more defined. Both still sound excellent.
Thanks for you comment Austin. I agree with you, B is definitely more sensitive. cheers!
I've been playing drums for decades - but my bandmates bought me an inexpensive cajon and told me I have a gig in 3 days. Obviously, I'm looking through UA-cam vids for tips - but this video was interesting. I actually liked the bass sounds of the cheaper model better, but the more expensive model was the clear winner. The "snares" were heard even at low volumes, and the sides had a GREAT conga tone. As someone who mostly plays the drumset, I probably would never need a high-end cajon - but I'd definitely buy one if I were to record in a studio. Thanks for this!
Unbelievable, I'm a Cajon player beginner, I just have about one month with it, which means I do not know as much as some of the experienced people in this field. But, despite my amateurism, I noticed a remarkable difference between the two Cajon actually. The snare and bass sound from the expensive one is much cleaner, clearer, and involving than the cheaper one. Nonetheless, both still sound good
Thanks for sharing your thoughts 🙏😉
OP: My thoughts too. The bass sounds 'tuned' and the snare tops are crisper.
Both sound good though.
One Worth £1000 more . . . I don't know.
@@buddhistsympathizer1136
Yeah, B doesn't sound $1,000 or 600% or 6x better than A. Honestly I'd be perfectly happy with the sounds that A makes.
The difference is you play the more expansive one with 3 times the conviction and feeling.
Do you think so? I really like both and actually, for the gigs I use a lot the Tango. The Martinete line I use more for studio recording because it's more sensitive.
This point can’t be overstated when it comes to expensive instruments. There are $300 guitars that I love…they sounds great and they play amazing. But they don’t inspire me like my PRSs (which cost well over ten times as much).
@@manifestgtr
The real question is: would that PRS still inspire you if it retailed for $300 and would that actual $300 guitar inspire you more if it looked like the PRS?
@@ryanwilson5936
It just wouldn’t retail for that little. The work they put into their Maryland guitars is too intense. They do, however, offer $500 imported models which are *really* nice. Do you play them with quite the same passion as a USA? Maybe, maybe not…depends on your tastes I suppose.
@@manifestgtr
I know how much PRS’s go for. Their affordable models are nice and I’d like one very much and I’m jealous of your expensive one lol…. but you didn’t answer my question :) I like to make people think 🤷♂️
Well done comparison, love hearing you play! Quite honestly I couldn’t tell much of a difference, certainly for non-professional use there’s no reason to pay $1200 when for $200 I can get something that sounds quite good.
I actually like what I would call the snappiness of the $200.00 Cajon. The $1,200.00 Cajon is obviously a masterpiece of wood and craftsmanship however, do you really want to beat the crap out of something like that as a touring or struggling musician? If you have the $1,200.00 for the masterpiece, just throw in an extra $200.00 and get both. This way you can have a masterpiece and one to beat up. If you don't have the money, just get the $200.00 one and play the hell out of it. Great Video!
thanks for the comment Louis!
Listening and comparing virtually all of the Meinl Artisan cajons through this and many other videos, my two favorites are these two here: the Meinl Tango Line Limba Cajon and the Meinl Artisan Martinete Line Brazilian Ironwood Cajon--ironically the very bottom of the Artisan series and the very top of the Artisan series. The Meinl Artisan Martinete Line Brazilian Ironwood Cajon sounds the most beautiful to me, but since I really can't justify or afford the high expense of that one, I'm very happy to be able to afford my second favorite sounding cajon in the Meinl Artisan series: the Meinl Tango Line Limba Cajon.
Highly noticeable and much better sound coming from the Martinete Line. Pitch is noticeably higher as well as solid/full, producing a generally much more satisfying sound which is probably due to the solid wood contruction. I'm a beginner and won't be able to afford it but I challenge myself to get good so then I'd be worthy of this gem. Thanks for doing this comparison, Felipe! 😍
thanks Jan!
Just went to a music store today and tried out a bunch of different Cajons, between Schlagwerk, Sela and Meinl I tried a lot of different Models, but the Meinl Artisan Tango is just incredible for the price. (The Martinete was also there and just a joy to hold and play, but I'm not about to spend 1200€ on my first Cajon haha)
At 200€ none of the other Cajons came close in terms of sound and overall build quality and feel to the Tango, so I bit the bullet and got it.
Your videos have been a great source of inspiration and knowledge for playing Cajon these last few days, I feel like it helped me a lot for starting out and choosing what I want, keep doing what you do, your charisma is contagious! Kind wishes from Germany!
thanks a lot! glad to hear that ;) enjoy your new cajon!
The more expensive cajon sounds distinctly better to me, it's all about the range. That's really hard to hear through a UA-cam video though. I've been playing hand percussion instruments for 30 years and it's still hard to hear tonal differences without playing them, yet, when you play them in person it is noticable instantly. It's often the unusual sounds that you play that make the most difference rather than the basic beats, but the range you can feel makes a tremendous difference when you're a very experienced drummer. It really really makes a difference. I can definitely hear the difference hear, but all of that being said, it's simply not enough of a difference to matter to most people who haven't played for years.
But when you play it, you can take feel it, quite distinctly.
Hi Asha, I agree with you, it's important to test it first to really feel the sound and different tones ;) thanks for you comment.
B for sure. It’s sound was so much more pronounced and separate from each other. But I don’t think it’s a $1000 difference, although it is a beautiful piece of art so certainly that adds much value.
thanks for your comment 🙏 It's a beautiful cajon, you're right!
For comparrising you need to drum the same ritme on both!
B has both a brighter and more clearly defined snare, and a warmer and more solid bass sound.
I agree with you. The sound comes with the construction. Solid wood and more strings in the inside. Thanks for your comment Adrián 😉
Don't like B. Sounds like a marching band bass. If you like listening to that kinda stuff, then sure. Perfect robust bass punch on A and more dynamic and lively for a variety of genres.
This was interesting. Since the beginning of the video I was aiming at which one I like the most, not which I thought was the most expensive one, and I think that should always be approach. A more expensive instrument doesn't necessarily equate to you liking it more or it sounding better to you, it all depends on your preferences. Having said that, in this particular case, I like the most expensive one better because, to me, it has more low-end than the cheaper one. Now, I don't think that I like it 6 times more than the cheaper one... so, factoring everything in, I would go with the $200 one. It's still a great cajon, sounds great and, if I'm recording it or playing live with a mic on it and need a little bit more low-end, I can always use EQ to compensate.
thanks for your comment Federico. I like you point. The Tango line is much cheaper but still really good cajon. I would love to listen to your recordings if you get the tango ;)
surprisingly, the cheapest one feels more melodic than $1200 Cajon.
Thanks for your comment! Good to know you like the Tango, It's a great cajon with a good price 😉🙏
@@CajonMaster Actually I am a intermediate drummer. Few days back I had a gig where I had to play kajon. This instrument was new to me. Then I decided to go online and I found YOU. I took your lessons. And I burned my gig. Thank you so much for making everything easy and effective for me. Best wishes. Lots of love ❤ from India🇮🇳.
Hey Felipe! I'm a bit late to the party, but I'm planning to snag either a Fandango or a Martinete model from Meinl quite soon... I'm noticing that there's not many reviews or demos of the Martinete in spite of it being Meinl/Pepote's top of the line product... really glad to see you featuring it in this video, would love to see more of it!
This is a great cajon! Fandango also very good. Which kind of music you normally play? The Martinete is a great cajon but the Fandango is a bit more versatile in my opinion.
Very late comment lol~ Can't recall why I haven't commented below this wonderful video of these magnificent, beautiful looking and sounding cajons!! Both sounds magnificent for their price point, but the Martinete line has a much more pronounced and clear, punchy bass tone. For the snare sound, it has less of a "woody" ghost note tone, instead it has a clear, crisp, and sensitive, almost hi-hat-like tone. The tango line is still indeed a masterpiece considering its price point and that it's handmade in Spain. For my personal choice, I chose the Seguiriya line Rosewood Cajon, it sounds absolutely gorgeous to my ears, and it's absolutely worth its price tag. By the way, I'll be joining your online courses in the near future and I'm ready to practice and be better on the cajon every single day💪💪
Great to hear from you! The Seguiriya is one of my favorites, you will love it! Look forward to have you as a member ;)
One thing to note is every Cajon can be tuned as well, some with tunabled snare or strings too. So its possoble to tune it to have the near perfect sound both in bass and snare or high pitch
Both have great bass and snare . The martinete is more resonant,giving a pleasant overtone..but I don't know if the note sustain is $1000 better. 🤔
Hello, Meinl have a name. But for me their high prices cajons are not in equality with their quality. I tried so much Meinl cajon, but never love the snare side. For me there are not really good artisan. Just a Huge name, because of Cymbals. Since 4 years i moved to Jleiva cajon from Andalousia. And the comparison are not possible. They have true artisan cajon. The DTS system is just amazing. All their cajon and even 200 dollars cajon are amazing, their snare side are out of world. True flamenco sound. One week ago, i order their Jleiva Omeya Master Carbon. An amazing piece of art. For less of 1000 dollars. This is my feeling.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, appreciate that.
These 2 cajons are handmade in Spain by the artisan Hernadez Días Pepote (Pepote Percussion) . As I've said, the price is in the artcraft, the contruction and material used to build it.
But of course, this is totally a matter of taste and if you feel good and inspired when you play your cajons, this is the most important.
thanks again ;)
@@CajonMaster exactly, all is a question of taste. Thanks for your answer. Have a good day my friend.
I built my own Cajon from scrap wood, hickory, oak and maple. And the Tappa is made from MDF stained with cocoa color stain.
I originally made it from polar wood, but I kept having an issue with it creaking down the seams. The MDF is a more solid piece, and is not near as likely to crack.
I made it quite a bit bigger than most Cajons. It is 14x24" I am a taller guy, and so it is quite comfortable for me to play.
Can see/hear? 😉
Holy sh*t, the bass separation when he's hitting the high note is incredible in the more expensive cajon, it also sounds crispier at the high end, you can really tell that's a better crafted instrument. I like to think I'm gonna get one someday, but my Headliner will do just fine for now haha
Thanks for your comment here! it's a really good one 😉🙏
I prefer the sound from the $200 one, personally.
thanks for your comment ;) Tango is a great option depending of the musical situation ;)
Admittedly, there is a considerable difference in the tone between these two examples. To the beginner it probably is not a critical difference because firstly, the way the demonstrator plays them is likely to make a bigger difference to the way a beginner might play it. I have heard a pro- drummer play one and makes a very cheap one sound much better than when I'm playing it. It's all very much in the wrists and how the hands and fingers strike the panels.
I am also thinking that the sound we hear in this demonstration is recorded through a microphone/devices etc but we are hearing it through speakers or a headphone. Even my cheap and nasty cajon sounds better than to the naked ear in a room.
There is however, a distinct difference between a classic high quality constructed cajon to a budget version for the reasons explained in this demonstration to make a point. Thank you Cajon Master. They are both very nice units!
Thanks a lot for your message Pieter 🙏
I guessed correctly. The more expensive one definitely has a tighter low end and cleaner, crisper, more present top end. That said, I sort of prefer the sound of the cheaper one on its own. Hearing them both played in a full band mix might change my opinion.
Thanks for you comment Anthony! 🙏
The expensive one has much more balanced sound, a huge difference. But the cheap one doesn't sound bad, maybe the playing style can be adjusted and not hit as had on the "snare" sound?
Good point! The Tango cajon is less sensitive but of course sounds very good as well. And you're right, need to adapt the way you play to get the best from the instrument.
Seems the snare is the biggest difference. There is a tad more warmth in the bass on B, but the cheaper one has a thinner snare. Up the snare game on the cheap one and EQ the bass a bit and you can save 1000.00.
Cheap one has a better bass sound
But u screwed up by playing them too differently.
Full on high hat for the nice one, and a basic, barren beat for the cheap one
Wow, from what I am hearing and feeling a remarkable difference.
What it's the biggest difference for you?
@@CajonMaster for me is the detail of the high soft hits. Pretty fine.
the Expensive one had a clearer, Deeper Tone, but no sure if it' worth the extra $1000 for my taste.. If it's your professional career, then go for it.
Good point 👍🏻 thanks for your comment
Just stumbled across your channel now - love these videos and hope you remain active on You Tube. Saw and heard a Cajon for the first time at an intimate concert and loved the sound so much I want to give it a whirl for myself - Not sure if it was a Flamenco or Snare Cajon though!
Although a complete newbie to playing any musical instrument, I have always been drawn to percussion instruments and the Cajon seems to be a perfect place to start experimenting - thanks for the channel !
Welcome aboard! Thanks for the words! We stay in touch here ;)
I own the Cantina and Seguiriya cajons from the same Artisan line. The Cantina has a deep bass tone and has an angled faceplate that’s easier access. The Seguiriya has THE TASTIEST snare tone ever. Nothing compares to it. But it is not as bassy as the Cantina. Both are exceptional instruments. If they could merge the two with the best features of both, that would be most welcome but I’m glad I have these. They are definitely worth checking out, and are a lot cheaper than the Fandango or Martinete models.
Bear in mind that I made my first cajon, got it signed by Rubem Dantas because I showed him how to change the pitch with my left foot back in 1995. Now everyone does that. The next cajon I bought was a used one for $30. I put the strings in it to give it a rasp. It was stolen in 2015. Oh well. That’s why I bought these Meinl cajons. They are great!
Hi Michael, thanks for sharing this story, I would love to see the cajon signed by Ruben Dantas :) I have the Cantina Line and it's one of my favourites, you can see it in most of my recent videos. I think it has everything I need in one cajon. Good bass and slap and the angle in the front it's a great idea! The Seguiriya it's also great. You should check out the new Cantina line Subwoofer, it has a great bass sound and a different design, worth checking.
Keep enjoying this beautiful boxes ;) thanks again
Both have very good separation of bass and snare tones but the Martinete seems to have much tighter punchiness to it that I feel makes it more articulate.
Thanks for your comment Robert!
Great video! It's really interesting to see the differences between the cheaper and more expensive cajons. The detailed comparison helps highlight the value of investing in higher-quality instruments. As the owner of Kopf Percussion, I can definitely relate to the importance of craftsmanship and sound quality in percussion instruments. Keep up the informative content! 🎶🥁👏
Glad you enjoyed it! ;)
For a more experienced cajon player who would use it often, you would be best buying the higher end instrument. That being said, I prefer the sound of the entry level instrument.
I loved both of them. For a starter the 200 cajon would be more than enough.
The Tango line is a good one! thanks Nanina ;)
So what are the ones you have on your website that’s in between the two in the $600 range and what does that sound like?
No one has commented on playing the sides. The sides of the more expensive cajon made a really cool sound.
A so far has got me hooked! If it’s 1200 I’m in with A 💯
The Martinette has much richer bass & snare tones - they sound more like real drums!
Do you have a guide video for buying the best sounding cajon with limited budget?
It seems like the solid wood & more strings make the difference.
Hi Jeremy, thanks for your comment. You can check my latest reviews in the "unboxing and reviews playlist". I will post more "budget friendly" cajon reviews this year, stay tuned for that. Thanks again 😉
@@CajonMaster Awesome thank YOU!
I honestly prefer the cajon that sounds the best for the music i'm playing. I have a Pearl Brush Beat that has a great lower bass tone but my cheaper Pearl Primero Music Town has crisper snare and sounds so much cleaner even without the punchy bass. I moved to cajons when I couldn't have a full set but having played both high end and low end Gretsch/DW/Sonar/Pearl/Ludwig/Tama sets and everything in between, the sound difference is exactly the same, it's all in how the drums are tuned and played. Play what sounds good to you and enjoy it, that makes all the difference.
I started with cajons with adjustable strings... now that I know how "off" my sound is when they get loose, I don't think I could ever go back...
🪘The $1,200 Martinete model has a slightly more clear & refined snare sound. Also, its bass sound is lower and ever so slightly more punchy. The Martinete's high note(snare drum) sound is also _maybe_ slightly preferable.
But I think the $200 Tango is 80% as good all around as the much more expensive Martinete model.
thanks for your comment ;)
thank you, it's clear for me the diff. The cheaper has bad separation between high and low, that's why "hi hat" effect doesn't come out from the cheap one. The expensive one offers very crisp treble
The Martinete just has so much more character to it.
Thanks for leaving a comment. I agree with you! I really like the Martinete ;) 🙏
Agreed
HI FELIPPE - BOTH SOUND GOOD BUT I PREFER THE NATURAL RICHER SOUND FROM THE MORE EXPENSIVE CAJON. I GUESS THE CHEAPER ONE COULD BE MADE TO SOUND BETTER OR RICHER BY CAREFUL USE OF EQ IN THE MIX. KEEP THESE GREAT VIDEOS ROLLING PLEASE ! BEST WISHES - EDDIE - UK .
Thanks Eddie! Surely with EQ it can get close , but the natural sound is another story 😉 I will keep on going no worries 🙏🙏
Why do you recommend ear phones when playing Cajon?
I don't recommend earphones when playing cajon. have I said that? :) where?
Cool. I liked the less expensive one. But you can see the craftsmanship in the 1200 is worth a lot of the extra investment
Very true!
Can’t wait for mine to come in. Been playing on a Peruvian snare and I’m excited to try the flamenco!
You’ll love it! Have fun 😉
Just heard about these and clicking around to check them out. I suppose that when choosing, it is just like buying speakers for your stereo system (or headphones). Buy what sounds best to you (not what others say). If you are lucky, you can get the $200 instrument. If that sounds fine to you, great!
There is no reason to buy a Ferrari to drive to work if your Camry does the job for you.
thanks for your comment!
The cheap cajon has a shrill sound, is hard to hit, and doesn't bounce too much.
The expensive cajon has a deeper bass, and the bounce of the hand is good.
When you played expensive, the feelings appeared more intense.
I would say they sounded the same but maybe there was better distinction in the snare on B.
thanks for your comment 😉
My girlfriend bought a brand new cajon for my birthday for me. It was around 75$ and it sounds great. I constantly get very positive feedback on its sound both mic'd and unmic'd😊
If it sound good to you, great! Rock on!
How about at $400? Not crazy high or cheap cheap? I am referring to the Kopf Percussion S Series HANDCRAFTED (each unique) here in the United States. Since 2010. They make them with Birch and sound fantastic! They produce them from start to finish ALL under one roof in ONE location in the state of Georgia...of all places. You really need to check them out!
Hi Ed, I would love to test it. I will check it out ;)
I guessed correctly but i think only because you played more complex rythms for B?
Thanks for your comment ;)
What other ones do you have on your website from that line that’s in the mid range of those two prices
artisan Cantina line! great cajon
I would have bet money A was the more expensive one. Great Bass on the Tango .
thanks for your comment Mark!
Lovely...
Thanks for making N sharing this video ..
This is Kirti shah Artist from Mumbai India 🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳
Thanks and welcome
Gonna get a Tango for $100 tomorrow, but even for full price, if I had the choice between the two, I feel the Martinette is more of a collectors item and I would full send for a Tango. It (the Martinette) does indeed have more snap in the snare and bass in the kick, but if i really wanted that kind of sound quality, I'd go for the pearl boombox for $500 instead of the $1200 Martinette. The Tango sounds incredible for its price point, the bass is pretty stellar for how much you're paying. Take it from a guy who's played for 6 years, I've played on almost any brand of cajon line you can name and am just about to start building up my collection, the Tango is much better than the Martinette. I might pick a Martinette up later just for the collectors piece, but for what it does and for what else is out there, its gonna be my final buy if i ever do get one
Tango was a great choice! The Martinete is a masterpiece and definitely a collectors item. I keep mine in the studio, it doesn't go out ;)
For me, the biggest difference is that the most expensive one has a lower sound.
Other than this, I suppose the feeling of playing it might be more comfortable.
The less expensive one could be better in certain circumstances. Ex: If you prefer the snare sound in a Cajon, the cheaper one is your first choice and it will do a better job than the most expensive one could ever do.
But personally, the most expensive one makes more sense in a recording setting because of the lower frequency that will leave more space for other instruments and sound better only because of this fact.
If you put a sidechain compressor on the bass with the source being the 40 to 100 hz range of the Cajon, you will have an amazing sound that the higher-pitched Cajon won't be able to deliver using the same technique.
It's funny because I think they both sound good obviously you are paying for more than just the sound with a higher end model but I don't think I would be unhappy with either
Good point! Thanks for your comment.
I like the Martinete because of the little more distinct sound, but it is surely not worth that gross price compared to the Tango
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Ole! 😉
Tbh they are both pretty sweet. I have a Meinl Jam AB which I adore but I think it was about £70!
Great one! I like the little Jam Cajon ;)
Perhaps it depends on what sound you want to achieve. You can certainly hear the snare with B.
Good point! Thanks for you comment 🙏😉
Funny, I'm no percussionist but I liked the Tango best. it seemed to have a slightly lower, looser Bass than the Martinete. The Martinete sound (for me) was just tighter. My son-in-law who is a musician says "tighter is better" when it comes to drums. but I personally liked the looser, deeper sound of the Tango.
Thanks for your comment ;) cheers
I don't even know what a cajon is supposed to sound like. But the cheap one sounded much more versatile. You could get a bass drum sound, snare and congas out of one box and the expensive one sounded like hitting a table.
Thanks for your comment. It's good to have your feeling on that. The tango (cheap) is great cajon for the price ;)
I'm with you on this one. I've played cajon for a few years now, and that cheaper one had a much fuller sound. If you're playing in an acoustic act, you need to be able to fill the lower end frequencies. If you're just responsible for percussion in a full band setup (that has a standard kick drum), I can see where the slightly more focused sound of the more expensive one might be easier to make cut through a bit more. Hard to justify the extra $1,000 for something that could probably be done with eq and compression though. Just my 2 cents though.
I like them both. B has a little more bass but A sounds crispy
thanks for the comment ;)
@CajonMaster I just purchased my first cajon and am considering building my next one. Thanks for the amazing content. You have helped me alot
The B cajon has softer snares and deeper bass. Very balanced sound.
thanks for the comment!
After hearing this the $1200 one is way better but i dont want to spend 1200. Can you review a $300 model that sounda close to $1200 model?
Yes, I will do that soon. Have a look in the Meinl Buleria Line (around $300), It can be a good option between these 2.
not one is better than the other one but rather different. It's the same argument as always with expensive vs cheap. Same happens with, say acoustic guitars (there's a video of a versus on a $ 275.000 nylon string guitar, check it out!) People throw the usual arguments: materials, brand, character, blah blah... lt's all about the SOUND; which, in the end, is very subjective; it's all about what you LIKE. Particularly if you pretend to convince me to drop $1.000 more for something that sounds different rather than better, forget it my friend!!
Thanks for your comment Fernando. Which one has a better sound/tone for you?
Muito bom meu amigooooo...isso sem falar na habilidade e talento do músico...
Grande abraço irmão.
Obrigado Mello, abraço!
B with no headphones. The responsiveness and nuance difference is incomparable
I think the $200 one is the one I would take and save $1,000. It sounds great and throw in some acoustic guitars and vocals and would sound even better.
Glad you like the tango. It's very good and affordable option. cheers!
I have a Tango. Absolutely love it. However, If you use a lot of finger rolls when you play, the Limba may be a better choice, the Limba has more snare strings which increases the snare sensitivity (a.k.a. very light taps will still produce a good, distinct snare sound.) and they can be tuned. Another thing not mentioned is the Limba has a special coating on the surface of the tapa which is used for a type of drum roll where you slide your fingers down the face, allowing them to "chitter" over the surface. That coating helps a lot. It's the same reason good tambourines have a surface more like sandpaper.
The $1200 cajon does Not sound $1000 better. Not even close. I have owned 5 different cajons and played several, but my Gon Bops Alex Acuna edition is by far the best best I’ve ever played and it’s only $400
Great video!
Glad you like the video! Thanks for leaving your thoughts 🙏
Wow how i wish i could have a cajon like u sir i really want to have a cajon but money is d problem im from the Philippines sir. I always watch ur video wish i could play like u.., 😍😍😍
The more expensive one sounds better. But generally speaking, I like how most cajons do sound pretty good. Some of the super cheap one's sound bad. But the instrument in general feels more affordable than other drums. Probably because of the simple design.
Agreed!
My guess is A is the cheaper cajone and B is the expensive. Reason. B has a deeper bass and better definition on all the strokes.
Thanks for your comment Charles. Yes B is the one 👍🏻😉🙏
Amigo, how are you? I saw thta you had a video in spanish. Do you have more? Would love to watch those as well!
Hi, thanks for asking, for I have only a review in Spanish. Maybe I will do more in the future ;)
@@CajonMaster that would be amazing. Ty. I have one blue question. In looking at purchasing my first Cajón (drummer for 20+ years) and I'm debating on the Meinl Artisan Tango and the Meinl Woodcraft string Cajón. I know you have a video on the Tango line but is there truly a $100 difference between these two Cajóns sound wise? I'm looking for snappy top end and some decent low end. I realize that build quality is definitely better with the Tango
The snare of the B-model has more undertones of maracas. The snare of the A-model is more straight and punchy.
I know what you mean. Is because of the amount of strings in the inside, 20 strings!
The sound quality of $1200 is good, which is closer to the sound of jazz drums. The researchers' invention is great. I hope they can invent a sound more like a military drum in the future.
thanks for your comment! ;)
reminds me of an old beatnik coffee house back in the 60;s
They sound the same to me. I guessed correctly only bc you were playing better on B (different beats) so I could tell you were happier playing b there for that must be the more expensive one. But sound wise they’re the same 🤷♂️
thanks for your comment ;)
1200 is the clear winner!
Its like jeans vs pre worn designer. They both cover what you need them to.
The face is solid wood!? How is it so sensitive and durable at the same time?
The front plate of these cajons is made of différent wood layers very thin. This is what gives the sensitivity
Thank you, Felipe! I have tango line cajon)
Thanks Mike! 🙏😉
Definitivamente el cajon de 1,200 tiene mejores bajos y mejores altos, pero me parece a mi que la diferencia en precio, no vale la pena pagar.
Gracias por su comentario Adalberto. Um abrazo!
Good demo thanks . . . 1000 USD . . . . the difference in sound is about 5-10 percent, I'll take the cheaper one 🙂
thanks for your comment ;) enjoy the Tango ;)
I could tell the difference, but it sure isn’t a $1k difference 😅
too much money for an industrially made wooden box...
U
You would have to be a expert in layering specific wood layers for sound to be that expensive
I was hoping not to hear such a clear difference :-( The $1200 Cajon's bass sounds dryer and lower and there is overall more separation between lows and highs. It's like a sound engineer pre-scooped out all the muddy and unwanted frequencies and built thats into the cajon. A sound technicians dream to Mic up.
The bass sound on the $200 cajon has somewhat of a tone. The $1200 cajon has a nice solid thump.
However, I would stick with the $200 one. But I'm kinda poor.
thanks for you comment 🙏
Starts at 1:15
the sound of the CAJON is tasty and pleasing to the ear
glad you like it ;)
I think B !! more solid base!
thanks for your comment 🙏😉
I'm not sure one is better than the other. Different tools for different playing situations.
Good point! thanks for your comment
Cajon B is well refined Sound to Hear
Thanks for you comment 🙏
Just like with guitars, I believe when you get into the thousands, you are paying for a piece of art.
The more expensive cajon has a solid sound. The cheaper one, the sound is hollow. Unfortunately I play with a cheaper one. Maybe one day I'll have the money to afford a better sound.
Thanks for leaving your opinion ;)🙏