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Percussion

Our range of percussion covers cajons, tambourines, shakers, blocks, bells and hand percussion for bands, classrooms, worship groups and drum circles. Percussion is where most people find they can join in without lessons, which makes it the most useful section here for teachers and group leaders. Found it cheaper elsewhere? We will match the price.

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Cajons: the acoustic drummer solution

A cajon is a wooden box you sit on and play with your hands, and it has become the standard answer for acoustic gigs where a full kit is too loud or too large. Striking near the top edge gives a sharp snare-like crack, while the centre of the face gives a deeper bass note, so one instrument covers both roles. Models with internal snare wires or guitar strings add more of that crisp snap, and many allow the wires to be adjusted or switched off for a cleaner conga-like tone.

Tambourines and shakers

Tambourines vary more than people expect. Single row jingles are lighter and cut through less, double row gives more volume and sustain, and steel jingles are brighter than brass. Headed tambourines can be struck as well as shaken, while headless models are lighter for continuous playing. Shakers and eggs are the easiest way to add rhythm without technique, which makes them ideal for classrooms and for singers who want something to hold.

Choosing for a classroom or group

For teaching or group work, durability and volume balance matter more than tone. Choose instruments that survive being dropped, avoid anything with small detachable parts for younger children, and pick a spread of pitches so a group can hear individual contributions rather than one indistinct wash. A mixed set of shakers, blocks and tambourines gives a class more musical range than several of the same item.

Playing technique that avoids injury

Hand percussion is played with the hands, and technique matters for your joints. On a cajon, strike with a relaxed hand and let it rebound rather than pressing into the surface, and take breaks, since blisters and wrist strain build up quickly when you are enjoying yourself. If your hands are sore after every session, you are hitting harder than the instrument needs rather than lacking toughness.

Materials, tuning and care

Most cajons are birch or similar ply, and the front playing face is thinner than the body, which is what lets it resonate. Do not stand a cajon on its face, and keep it out of damp and direct heat, since the thin front panel is what warps first. Tighten the face screws occasionally, as they loosen with playing and a rattling panel is usually a loose screw rather than a fault.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a cajon and why would I choose one?
A wooden box you sit on and play by hand, giving a snare-like crack near the top edge and a bass note in the centre. It has become the standard choice for acoustic gigs where a full drum kit would be too loud or too large.

What is the difference between single and double row tambourines?
Single row jingles are lighter with less cut, double row gives more volume and sustain. Steel jingles are brighter than brass, and headed models can be struck as well as shaken while headless ones are lighter for continuous playing.

What should I buy for a classroom?
Prioritise durability and a spread of pitches over tone, so individual contributions can be heard rather than blending into one wash. Avoid small detachable parts with younger children, and mix shakers, blocks and tambourines rather than buying several of one item.

Why do my hands hurt after playing cajon?
Usually technique rather than toughness. Strike with a relaxed hand and let it rebound instead of pressing into the surface, and take breaks. Persistent soreness means you are hitting harder than the instrument requires.

My cajon has started rattling. Is it broken?
Usually a loose screw on the front playing face, which works loose with playing. Tighten the face screws before assuming a fault. Keep it out of damp and direct heat, and never stand it on its face, as the thin panel warps first.

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