Written By: Zane UNT Spark Maker

Cajons are drums found all around the world, known for their accessibility and simplicity. A cajon is a box with a sound hole on the back, specifically designed to produce a resonant sound. Modern cajons usually have snares against the front face so that when the drum is struck, it produces a more recognizable drum sound. The cajon I made is a more traditional flamenco-style cajon, where instead of snares, guitar strings are pressed against the front face. This allows for the more articulate sound required in flamenco music genres. The strings have adjustable tension so that I can control how wet or dry the drum sound is.

I wanted to make a cajon because of its accessibility. Anyone can sit on top of it and hit it, no matter their expertise. It is an instrument known for jam sessions because of how easy it is to transport and how approachable it is to play. It seemed like the perfect thing for the Spark.

The history and culture of the drum is also significant. The cajon originates from African slaves that the Spanish colonizers brought to the Americas (specifically Peru). These slaves would use wooden boxes to transport goods to accompany their songs. This tradition evolved with new technologies (snares or strings inside the boxes) and expanded as the slave trade did. Now, the cajon can be seen in thousands of different variations across numerous cultures.