I know, enough with the Cajóns already.
OK, but just one more thing, then I really will shut up. Several people have asked about me making a Cajón for them, but a combination of time pressure and the difficulty of actually doing it for less than the commercially available models mean its not really viable.
What I can do though, is offer a couple of sketches of what I did. Please bear in mind that this is the only Cajón I have ever made so I have a sample size of one for the information I offer, but it works and sounds as good to my ear as a commercially available model.
This is an easy project and hugely satisfying – if you fancy owning a cajon just give it a go. I’m happy to answer questions, just add them as comments in this post and I’ll respond.
Ed
For black and white printable plans click on the blueprints. For the original post click here.
The original post is here: Cajón.
Things we make 
ltgmusic
December 30, 2012
Thanks for this! I’m getting deep into Cajons and into Cajon Flamenco (Cajon with guitar strings or snare like you show above). I’m more into WordPress building than wood my self, have a look at http://www.ecajonflamenco.com !
Minh anh nguyễn
August 11, 2013
what kind of string do you use to make it ? I use string 5 (A) of acoutic guitar , but the sound not good
thingswemake.co.uk
August 11, 2013
Hi, I don’t think the type of string is very important but it is shown on the diagram that we used an acoustic D string for this cajon.
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August 15, 2014
I enjoy what you guys tend to be up too. Such clever work and coverage!
Keep up the excellent works guys I’ve added you guys to my personal blogroll.
atkokosplace
March 27, 2015
My son plays a cajon. He’s been trying to get me to build one. Love your blog!
Ali Kalhori
September 18, 2017
Hi. very nice
I have a question
How big is the distance between the wires and the tapa?
please help me
tnx a lot
thingswemake.co.uk
September 30, 2017
Sorry for the delay! They’re touching it. The elastic holds them against the tapa.
Jose Esteban
January 20, 2021
Hello, Useful information, I play classical Guitar, and 20 years ago was interested to know more about el Cajon. It seamed to be a bit of a black art because there wasn’t much info shared on the subject. That has changed because of its growing popularity. Anyway, I just wanted to ask about the strings you have used, You point out Acoustic strings, That would mean (steel core acoustic strings), not classical guitar strings I guess ?. I have read about electric guitar A or low E strings being used, and even piano strings on one professional model,
thingswemake.co.uk
January 21, 2021
Hi Jose. A friend gave us the strings so I’m afraid I don’t know what type they were!
I don’t think it really matters too much really.
Jose Esteban
February 2, 2021
Hi, thanks for your reply,
I read an article in spanish recently about cajon construction, string type and gauge.
Based on what the Flamenco Cajon industry agree on.
That is a string gauge Number of 42 to 46.
These numbers are based on string diameter in inches, 0.042″ to 0.046″
(1mm to 1.1mm diameter)
Classical / Acoustic or Electric guitar strings have generally been used.
My Cajon, made in Granada Spain has steel core & nickel plated steel wound electric guitar strings.
Acoustic guitar strings are steel core & bronze wound.
Classical strings are typically silk core & silver plated copper wound.
Reasoning for using just these gauges of string being a happy medium between,
to high or to low harmonic tones being generated by the strings within el Cajon.
Noah Heise
June 3, 2021
Old post, I know, but I figured I would ask a question anyway, just in case you saw it… Is the elastic stapled right to the front of the frame? If so, how does the tapa connect without the elastic interfering? Does that make sense?
thingswemake.co.uk
June 3, 2021
Hi Noah, yes that makes sense! Yes it’s stapled to the frame. The tapa screws are left slightly loose on the top/side edges to get the snap sound when you hit the top edge, so there is a bit of a gap here that allows room for the elastic. Hope that makes sense too!
Noah Heise
June 3, 2021
Thank you! That clears up quite a bit for me… How loose is “loose”? Is it exact or just a matter of experimentation? And in that case, to clarify, the strings don’t rest against the tapa at the bottom, but rather are inset into the frame, and are
Also, while I am here, about how much tension are the string under? I am guessing not much? Lastly, I can’t find rubber feet anywhere.. Do you have any tips for finding some?
thingswemake.co.uk
June 6, 2021
Hi Noah, sorry for the slow reply. It is experimentation really, to get the sound you want – the screws along the top and the upper end of the sides on mine probably allow a 1mm gap between the tapa and the body of the cajon. The strings are resting against the back of the tapa at the bottom.
The strings aren’t under a lot of tension, as they need to be able to rattle against the tapa to give the snare sound. The elastic is there to hold them against the rear of the tapa, so they don’t need much tension.
Not easy to describe this in words, but hopefully you found my drawings, which should give a clearer idea.
thingswemake.co.uk
June 6, 2021
Oh and about the feet, I can’t remember where these ones came from (it was 10 years ago after all) but I googled ‘rubber feet’ and in the UK they are readily available on Amazon, so I imagine that would be the case elsewhere.