Topmusicanswers
A sound hole on the back face of the cajon is directly opposite the tapa face so offers the most direct (& therefore rapid) exit of the air from inside the cajon. Exact positioning of the hole varies (again!) by model & manufacturer. Some have the hole located nearer the bottom (see above photo).
- How big should the sound hole be on a cajon?
- Which wood is best for cajon?
- How can I make my cajon sound better?
- How thick is the front of a cajon?
How big should the sound hole be on a cajon?
The holes are 14mm away from the edges and on a 68mm grid. The top third is left loose, which allows the tapa to slap against the cajon body and create a "crack" noise.
Which wood is best for cajon?
Cajon builders generally recommend harder, denser solid hardwood - wenge, padouk, walnut, oak, maple etc. However, it's not a hard and fast rule, I've successfully used Sitka spruce, western red cedar and redwood, all considered tone woods.
How can I make my cajon sound better?
If you have a Cajon whose tapa is attached using screws, you could try loosening the topmost screws on each corner. This will create a tiny space between the tapa and the core shell of the Cajon. Therefore, when you slap the tapa, it will hit the shell and produce a much better slap tone.
How thick is the front of a cajon?
Thickness and number of layers
The average playing surface thickness is between 2.5 mm and 3.5 mm. Playing surfaces that are thicker than 3.5 mm are too rigid and hard. It's hard to play, and you can only play sounds with too much energy, which can be a burden for a longer concert.
