Unplugged events are getting more and more attention these days. That’s why the drummers are often asked if they have a cajon to bring to a gig. It is very nice to know that there are some very affordable models under $200 that we’re about to cover in the next article.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Cajons Under 200
- OUR TOP PICK: Meinl Cajon Box Drum with Internal Snares
- RUNNER-UP: Pyle String Cajon
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Sawtooth ST-CJ120B Cajon Birch Wood
Table of Contents
Can You Find a Quality Cajon Under $200?
The good thing to know about all instruments is that even the most affordable models sound 90% like the most expensive ones. It’s all about trading features and picking those important to you.
So, for example, you will perform with a microphone - then it doesn’t really matter how low-end sound as you will beef it up with your mixer.
Or maybe you know you won’t bring out your cajon often. Ultra-durable features won't mean too much for you.
If you're a percussionist more than a drummer, you should look for cajons that excel with a snare wire system. Fine tuning to match your playing style can make wonders. And remember, the bigger the cajon is, its sound is more low-end oriented.
It’s also worth noting that the general rule of thumb is when in doubt what instrument to select, always disregard price difference and stretch for a better one, because, in the long run, benefits will be much bigger than the money you invested.
And to conclude, quality always lies in the player’s performance, and not the instrument. Skilled players can make the worst equipment sound like heaven. So, if you’re on a budget, don’t you worry - practice can make everything perfect. The rest will come along.
Comparison Chart of the Best Cajons Under $200
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Best Budget Option  |
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Review of the Best Cajons Under $200
Get ready for the review of the best cajons under $200 we could find on the market.
Best Overall:
Meinl Cajon Box Drum with Internal Snares
No products found.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Users say it’s an excellent choice for beginners and that they would definitely buy it again. Reviews are very positive about the sound it delivers its build quality; there are some reports that despite being compact-sized, even 6’4” tall players didn’t complain about its size.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Because of its exceptional sound qualities, birch wood is frequently used for making top-class drum kits. And the “made in Europe” label just ensures its build quality. It comes with a rear port in case you need to mike your cajon and such placement is ideal for achieving perfect bass tone.
Who Will Use This Most
Its price makes it affordable for novice cajon players while more advanced users will consider it as additional gear because of its size. It’s made for venues such as coffee houses or for smaller and more private jam sessions while rear port placement makes it possible to use on big stages.
Bottom Line
This Meinl cajon is a perfect all-around unit. It was built to last, comes in more compact size while being equipped with everything you’re going to need for your performance at a very appealing price.
Runner-up:
Pyle String Cajon
No products found.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers especially praise the build quality and details it provides for such a low price. They say it’s a decent entry-level cajon and that it sounds just great. The only complaint we could find is that it might not be as loud as other more expensive cajons can be.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Handcrafted instruments always come unique. Every piece is different and the build quality is even better than standard factory-made because of increased attention to detail. Guitar strings allow more musical range of your cajon and they can be additionally tuned. Tape that secures strings can be removed to increase snare resonance volume.
Who Will Use This Most
It is slightly oriented towards newbies and live performance. But, thanks to full size and guitar strings, professional play could fine tune it to match any song tone for proper studio recordings.
Bottom Line
Whether you’re buying your first cajon or might be considering changing your compact-sized one, Pyle made a decent model coming at a very affordable price. You will love its handcrafted details and the sound birch wood provides.
Best for the Money:
Sawtooth ST-CJ120B Cajon Birch Wood
No products found.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
People are shocked that they can get a product of such quality at this price. Reviews are very positive and the only complaint we’ve seen so far is that the snare sounds a little bit dull and dry compared to other models. The gig bag also seems to be well built.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The sound is decent, it looks quite sturdy and well built, especially how rubber feet nullify floor vibration interference. We really appreciate how Sawtooth equipped this model with the padded seat cushion and gig bag and would like to see other manufacturers do the same in the future.
Who Will Use This Most
We would recommend it to anyone. Advanced cajon players can hold it as a spare or for practicing purposes while others can simply try it out and see if cajon playing is their thing or not for a very affordable price. It can be a nice present for your kids, too.
Bottom Line
When we check all the extra options it provides straight from the box, we must say that this is the best-equipped cajon on the market. Consider it as a great cajon starter pack for anyone.
4. Sawtooth Harmony Series Travel Size Cajon
No products found.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Experiences are extremely positive. It is often stated as an excellent bang for your buck and there are some buyers who were amazed at how many notes it can pull off compared to the regular-sized cajons they already had. They also love the quality of the woodwork and paint finish.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Beautiful hand-painted details look great and make every cajon unique in appearance. It comes in even smaller than a compact size at a very low price. It’s also rare to find a cajon in this price range that has strings placed horizontally as it can improve snare response a lot.
Who Will Use This Most
Due to its miniature size, street performers might be very interested as it will be very easy to carry along anywhere. Its size will also be ideal to make kids interested in learning more about music. But, if you're an advanced user, please do keep in mind that it’s more beginners oriented.
Bottom Line
This model will draw everyone’s attention because of beautiful and unique paintings in front. Its snare system will give you a lot of tonal expressions while ultra portable size and weight will make it possible to bring with you anywhere.
5. Moukey Full Size Cajon Drum DCD-1
No products found.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
No serious complaint found about this product. Users were especially thrilled with the snare sound it provides. However, take extra care of the bag handle as there are reports it may fall off easily. Also, due to the handcraft making process, please check if the edges were sanded down properly.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Guitar strings system provides more sonic variations when playing closer to the top of the cajon. 19” tall generates enough of size to create some really low notes. Being shipped with a heavy-duty nylon bag is a nice add-on as it will make it gig-ready right away.
Who Will Use This Most
Full-size cajon always aim towards professional users as it can be used in more than just jam sessions, as a part of an acoustic drum kit, for example. And since it’s easy to do additional tuning, beginners can take a step further in learning more about cajon.
Bottom Line
You can’t go wrong with this cajon. And in case you love this Moukey model but are worried if it may be a little bit robust for you, there is a more portable kids version available.
Pros and Cons of Cajon Drums
Here’s a quick recap about what is considered to be cajon overall advantages and flaws
Pros
Below are the main pros.
Genre Versatile
Modern breakbeat, samba or tango, you can recreate all grooves on cajon effectively.
Drums or Percussion? Yes.
Cajon has an interesting ability to act as drums and percussion at the same time. It all depends on your playing style.
Portability
It is easy to carry or travel with cajon. You can set it up fast in virtually every possible place and, if you want to play, all you need are your hands. That’s why it’s very popular among street performers.
Drummer’s Mindset Upgrade
Hands playing can do miracles for drummers. They may not enjoy playing cajon but their drumming style can have serious benefits because advanced cajon performance requires a different approach and thinking from regular drumming.
Pyle String Cajon
Cons
Below are the main cons.
Not a Real Drum Replacement
While it is versatile, cajon was never made to create that massive and loud sound that drums can do.
Not so Comfortable For Tall Guys
Tall guys might need to bend and twist further in order to achieve some deeper bass sounds which may feel ergonomically not so comfortable if played with hands only, especially on compact and travel-sized cajons.
Conclusion
No matter if you’re a drummer looking for some alternative gear or an absolute beginner who would just want to learn to play some basic beats, cajon might be the right instrument for you.
