I bought this cajon as a gift for a friend who wanted to start learning, but of course I had to play it before I gifted it.
As someone who owns a cajon that was selected in person (after playing dozens) and costs 200+, I'm happy with the gamble I took in buying un-tested online. The 'snare' can crack and the bass can thump, albeit with a little more buzz than I would like, but for 60 bucks there's little to complain about here. The string system they have instead of the standard "spring/snare" systems from other brands provides a much more metallic-sounding sustain than you can expect from competitors. That's not necessarily a bad thing, just a taste preference.
The included travel bag is just an added bonus for the price here. If you're any sort of a traveling type or street musician, this cajon is a great buy for you.
Pros:
- Reasonable build quality for the price
- Adjustable 'snare' tension inside
- "Clappy/Poppy" snare sound (personal preference)
Cons:
- Batter surface feels thin/fragile
- Metallic-sounding sustain (personal preference)
- All around "flat" sounding/not much tone character
In summary: Great cajon for the streets or the classroom.
