Custom Build Spotlight: Cherry & Curly Maple Oversized Cajon

Every instrument I craft has a unique story, and this custom cajon is no exception. Designed for a customer with specific preferences, this drum is a slightly oversized version of my American ToneWood Series, built from Cherry and Curly Maple with a comfortable upholstered seat. From the choice of materials to the finishing touches, every detail was carefully considered to create a cajon that is as beautiful as it is functional.

The American ToneWood Series: A Foundation for Customization

This cajon began as a modification of my American ToneWood Series, a line that showcases premium domestic hardwoods paired with expert craftsmanship. Known for its versatility, durability, and rich tonal range, the series serves as an ideal foundation for custom modifications. Whether customers seek unique woods, custom dimensions, or additional features, this series can be tailored to suit their needs.

Cherry & Curly Maple: The Perfect Pair

For this build, the customer selected Cherry for the drum body and Curly Maple for the faceplates. These woods were chosen not only for their aesthetics but also for their distinct tonal properties:

• Cherry: This hardwood is beloved for its rich, warm hues and subtle grain patterns, but its acoustic properties are equally impressive. Cherry produces a naturally warm, mellow tone with a strong low end. Its density and fine grain structure contribute to consistent vibration, allowing the sound to resonate deeply without muddiness. This makes it an excellent choice for the cajon body, as it provides a solid foundation for rich bass tones.
• Curly Maple: Known for its visually striking, wavy grain (or “figure”), Curly Maple also excels as a tonal wood. Its hard, dense structure produces bright, articulate sounds with excellent projection. As a faceplate material, it brings clarity and sharpness to the higher-end slap tones, complementing the warmth of the Cherry body.

Together, these two woods create a dynamic range: warm, resonant bass tones from the Cherry body, and crisp, cutting highs from the Curly Maple faceplates. This balance makes the cajon versatile enough for a variety of playing styles and musical genres.

The Benefits of Oversized Dimensions

This cajon features slightly larger dimensions than a standard build, a customization requested by the customer. The increased internal volume enhances the acoustic properties in several key ways:

1. Deeper Bass Response: The additional space inside the drum allows for greater air movement, which amplifies the low-end frequencies. This creates a fuller, more resonant bass sound that’s particularly satisfying in performance settings.
2. Enhanced Dynamic Range: A larger cajon provides more room for subtle variations in playing techniques to shine. From soft finger rolls to full-handed slaps, the oversized design gives the instrument a broader dynamic range.
3. Projection: The added size contributes to a bolder overall sound, making the drum ideal for larger venues or studio recording where a commanding presence is needed.

   

How Humidity Affects Wood

Wood is a natural material that reacts to changes in its environment. Fluctuations in humidity levels can cause wood to expand or contract, which, over time, can lead to warping, cracks, or even changes in tonal quality. Here’s how humidity affects cajons and what I do to mitigate these effects:

• Low Humidity: When the air is dry, wood tends to shrink, which can create gaps or stress points in the structure.
• High Humidity: In contrast, excessive moisture can cause wood to swell, leading to warping or softening of the surface.

To counteract these effects, I apply a shellac finish to the inside of every cajon. Shellac acts as a barrier, reducing the wood’s ability to absorb or lose moisture quickly. This not only protects the instrument’s structural integrity but also ensures consistent sound quality, regardless of the environment. It’s a small detail, but one that makes a big difference in the longevity and reliability of the drum.

Custom Upholstered Seat

As a long-standing feature in my American ToneWood Series, the upholstered seat adds both comfort and functionality. For this build, the customer opted for the seat, which blends seamlessly with the Cherry body while offering ergonomic support for long playing sessions. It’s a practical and visually appealing addition that has become a hallmark of my designs.

Finger Joinery for Strength and Precision

As with all my cajons, I used finger joinery to construct the drum body. This method ensures maximum strength and durability, creating a seamless bond between the panels that can withstand years of playing. The precision of finger joinery also enhances the instrument’s overall aesthetic, highlighting the craftsmanship that goes into every build.

The Finished Instrument

The final product is a one-of-a-kind cajon that combines the customer’s vision with my commitment to quality. From the oversized design to the Cherry and Curly Maple combination, every element was chosen for its ability to enhance both the sound and appearance of the instrument. The addition of a shellac coating ensures this cajon will perform beautifully for years to come, regardless of the playing environment.

Your Vision, My Craft

As a one-person operation, I take pride in working closely with customers to bring their ideas to life. Whether you’re looking for a modification of my American ToneWood Series or dreaming up something entirely new, I’m here to help. Reach out today to start planning your custom cajon.