Cajon, African Mahogany

[Scally]

The African Mahogany box cajon has two playing faces.

One side, with Huon Pine veneer, is glued into the sides of the box.
I think this gives a cleaner sound with a strong bass.

The other side, with a Queensland Maple veneer, is screwed onto the sides of the box.
The screws along the top of the face can be loosened to a stronger "clack" as the face is hit against the sides of the box.
Behind this face are five guitar strings that give a medium snare effect when the face is hit.

The soundhole is equivalent to a 100mm diameter circle. The Australian shape acknowledges the Australian veneers on the tapas.

This is the first time I have used African Mahogany. It is easy the work with tools. There was some tendency for small chip out when it went through the thicknesser.
It sanded easily, not too hard and not too soft. The alternating grain and fleck in the timber really jumped out once it was sanded to #320 and the oli finished applied.
In the pics, the box has only had one coat of Danish oil.

enjoy.

[MAPLEMAN]

The Qld Maple veneer is stunning...

[HazzaB]

Hey Scally,

I have made a couple of these, with varied effects, I had a heap of 16mm ply and used that for 3 sides and top and bottom, I went and seen a guy that makes and sells heaps of them, his are made from 8-9mm Beech Ply and sound heaps different to mine, for the Snare effect, I buy 16inch Snare wires from the local Musical instrument shop and cut them in half (2 drums for the price of one, about 12 bucks, from memory) Ive sourced some 9mm Ply and will be making another one in the near future, the tapas will be good quality Marine Ply about 6mm, and maybe an adjustable Snare ??

HazzaB

[Scally]

Yes it is spectacular veneer.
I picked up several sheets at the Sydney WWS last year.

Hi HazzaB.
The 9mm ply should be good. It makes the box much lighter to carry around.
I like the look of solid timber but it can be very heavy.

Snare drum snares can really rattle. Cutting them in half is a good idea. Not too loud but still plenty of rattle. If you make a lever to pull the snare off the face you should add a rubber/felt stop for it. It stops the snare rattling when it is away from the face.

You 6mm ply is a bit too thick for a good tapa. It sounds OK but you will find you get a better sound if you use 1 or 2mm aeroplane/bendable ply. Put a veneer on both sides.
It is plenty strong enough.
You get a great bass.

Have fun.