Hi , I'm hoping you folks might be able to advise me on a suitable timber and source for the project I'm working on.

I'm making what is known as a cajon drum. Basically a drawer type box with top and sides about 15-19mm thick and thin 3mm ply on the tapa or playing surface. I have made prototypes using solid pine and they work quite well. I have heard that the sides can also be made from ply although I haven't tried this yet.

My understanding of drum construction is that the density of the shell can play a role in the sound with denser timber producing a richer bottom end sound. I was considering tasi oak as I thought it was plantation timber - however it's not I believe?
I would like whatever I use to be a sustainable timber, strong, dense (like me), easily attainable in Western Australia, Hopefully in the cheaper side of the timber price spectrum, preferably available in solid planks at least 300mm wide. any advice would be apreciated.

Your humble newbie
Mike