A cajón (Spanish pronunciation: ka-HON, "box", "crate" or "drawer") is normally a six-sided, box-shaped percussion instrument originally from Peru, played by slapping the front or rear faces (generally thin plywood) with the hands, fingers, or sometimes various implements such as brushes, mallets, or sticks.

(Heidi Joubert of Fernando's Kitchen playing a Cajon: Photo by Dave Catchpole)

Cajones are primarily played in Afro-Peruvian music, as well as contemporary styles of flamenco and jazz among other genres. The term cajón is also applied to other unrelated box drums used in Latin American music such as the cajón de rumba used in Cuban rumba and the cajón de tapeo used in Mexican folk music.

The modern cajón may have rubber feet, and has several screws at the top for adjusting percussive timbre. Originally they would be only wooden boxes but now some versions may also have several stretched cords pressed against the top for a buzz-like effect or tone. Guitar strings, rattles or drum snares may serve this purpose. They may also have bells on the inside near the cords.

The player sits astride the box, tilting it at an angle while striking the head between their knees. The percussionist can play the sides with the top of their palms and fingers for additional sounds.

Today, the cajón is heard extensively in Coastal Peruvian musical styles such as Tondero, Zamacueca and Peruvian Waltz, Spanish modern Flamenco and certain styles of modern Cuban Rumba.

The modern cajón is often used to accompany the acoustic guitar. The cajón is becoming rapidly popular in blues, pop, rock, funk, world music, jazz, etc. Cajón is often used by bands instead of a full drum kit when performing in minimalist settings.

The cajón has become a popular instrument in the folk music of Ireland and is often played alongside the bodhrán. The cajón also features in some Breton music.

Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caj%C3%B3n

Photo: Heidi Joubert of Fernando's Kitchen playing a Cajon: Dave Catchpole http://www.flickr.com/photos/yaketyyakyak/5990865523/sizes/m/in/photostream/

Featured Artist Endorsement:

"This Pad-Zilla™ Cajón Mat is the coolest addition to my cajon equipment set-up for stage, studio and teaching gigs. First and foremost, it looks amazing and the quality of the mat is top flight!  Once you see this gorgeous mat, you'll easily recognize the huge amount of thought and development that went into it. The non-slip surface on both top and bottom give me more control to relax and play with everything staying in place.

This mat improves the sound for me as a player and for my audience by providing sound isolation from floor vibrations, while producing a more focused cajon bass tone and a tight snare that pops. The graphic design is aesthetically beautiful and defines my cajon playing area, pulling together all my instruments as one. It's lightweight material fits perfectly into the super-portable drumming configuration that cajons and accessories are known for.

The fact that you can create a custom design printed on it means everyone can personalize their Pad-Zilla™ Cajon Mat with their own style, band name or company logo. All in all, a perfect, affordable and much-needed addition to everyone's cajon gear."  ~ Andy Wasserman (www.AndyWasserman.com)

Here's a track capturing a live performance of solo cajon (played with hands only, no brushes, pedals or accessories) with no multi-track overdubbing or digital audio manipulation on our "Helix" Cajón Mat. This original beat composed and performed by Andy Wasserman in January 2016 is entitled "Tap Dancing With My Hands."

Size/Dimensions:
Our first (25) designs are five foot (60") wide by 2.5 feet tall (30"). Later this year we will offer custom sizes! Right now you may upload images & logos with our "Create Your Own" system!

Material:
Pad-Zilla™ Cajón Mats are made from 100% natural, renewable rubber. They are Eco friendly and RoHs, REACH, SVHC,EN-71, Phthlates (9p) certified. They are non-toxic, odorless, anti-skid, waterproof, durable, and customizable!

Surface Material:
Our surface material is a superb dense knit "silky" tracking surface that also allows brilliant high definition dye sublimation printing. Your instruments will find a "cushioned home" in our 3mm dense natural rubber Cajón Mats!

Sewn Edges:
We decided early on we wanted the absolute best materials, and the very best craftsmanship in our Cajón Mats. One example of this is we use a close-knit colored sewn edge around the entire Cajón Mat. Pad-Zilla™ Cajón Mats have sewn edges on all four sides for durability and elegance. Color coordinated with your design these sewn edges cost us more, but ensure your Cajón Mats are held to a higher standard of quality control. Designed to keep edges from fraying. Our sewn edges will reduce or eliminate fraying and add that classic color contrast!

Thickness & Weight:
Pad-Zilla™ Cajón Mats are 3mm thick and weigh 5 pounds (6 pounds with mailing tube)! This cushions your instruments, reduces movement, sound cushion, reduces floor reverberation, cushions you on a dense Cajón Mat! The material is dense closed cell natural rubber that is soft and pliable with great elasticity! Comes with a traveling & storage tube that will allow you to roll up your pad for gigs!

Maintenance:
Washable with mild soap and water for hand cleaning!