Meinl Pickup Slaptop Cajon Box Drum with Internal Snares and Forward Projecting Sound Ports -NOT MADE IN CHINA - Walnut Playing Surface, 2-YEAR WARRANTY (PTOPCAJ2WN)

This instrument is so much fun to play! I bought the acoustic turbo slaptop last year and then joined a band. I learned that the first challenge for me was keeping the instrument on my lap. While seated on another, more traditional cajon, I had problems with the slaptop falling forward, especially when I tried to use a foot tambourine. I resolved this by buying a yoga belt and strapping the slaptop around my back while I was seated. This method allows me to move freely without it falling off my lap. Problem solved, and that also allowed me to start using a foot pedal to keep the kick beat going on the other cajon. But I also had another problem : getting enough volume so the audience and my bandmates could hear the great sounds coming out of the thing. I had tried using a mic that I patched through a Bose S1 Pro amp before sending it to the band's soundboard, but had very limited success. I finally decided to spring for this model with the pickups, and it made all the difference. However, I also had an issue similar to another reviewer when, during a gig, the cajon suddenly sounded as if there was a crack in the top. It sounded flat instead of resonant, and I can only assume there was a defect inside of it with one of the pickups. I returned it to Amazon within the return window and immediately ordered another, and this time I also purchased a 3-yr protection plan. Despite the troubles, I think Meinl has come up with a winner, and I don't see anything on the market that can compete right now with its convenience, versatility and sound.

Great sounds and great lows

So this cajon is awesome. By itself, not plugged in, the bass is pretty weak. Plug this sucker it and it thumps like a monster though. The video on this review is with the cajon plugged in through a 15" keyboard amp. The snare sounds godly, but the pickup doesn't do a great job on the snare. In a professional setting, I would think you'd want to mic the faceplate(the tapa) and use the internal pickup. The center sound on the edge sounds a lot like a bongo, which is pretty cool. Fully unplugged in an acoustic setting, you'll find you have to hit pretty hard. I highly recommend using this thing plugged in. Couple things: this cajon does not fit between my legs. Notice in the video I have it on a drum throne. I have short and thick legs (28" inseam and heavy dude). The other thing, the tapa is more "firm" than a standard cajon, and hurts the inside of my knuckles a bit compared to a standard cajon. I also find I have to hit further in from the edge on this style of cajon.

Why did you pick this product vs others?: The pick-ups provide performance flexibility, particularly with someone controlling the overall mix. Solid sensitivity and sound.

This is my 3rd Meinl Cajon. I play with several bands quite often, in numerous settings. I have owned the Meinl Turbo Slap w/ walnut in the past, and just upgraded for the pickup version. It is a dream. This is the instrument I have dreamed of since I was a child, always drumming with my hands, and now with the pickup, I can do anything at any event, and sound like I am playing a full kit. On to thew problem: After 1 gig, I went to pack it, and noticed 3/4 screws had came out of the pickup, which are not threaded, and the nuts that held them in place also were gone. It sounds like they are still in the cajon. I am in the process of warranty right now with Amazon, as Meinl never contacted me after reaching out to them. Problem is, the product is so good, that I will continue to exchange this time after time until Meinl fixes the pickup.

Comfortable to play. Tones are ok, Bass isn’t deep at all. The tones can be tweaked however the pickup itself inside the Cajon is real spotty. Not consistent, needs constant adjustments. Expensive for this level of quality.

The Meinl Pickup Slaptop Cajon Box Drum is a nice addition to my drum arsenal. The drum can be plugged into an amplifier. The drum can be played without amplification but I found that when playing with other loud drums in a drum circle I would have to run it through a preamp to get a sufficient volume using my JBL EON ONE battery powered speakers. Otherwise I would get drowned out. Lots of fun playing it. The Bass control of the drum seems to also be the volume control. The snare control is useful for setting the outside edge slaps from a mellow high frequency to a snappy sharp sound.

Excelente producto