I own three of the Meinl Artisan cajons-the Cantiña, the Seguiriya, and the “Martinete” (actually not Meinl, but a direct purchase from Pepote so it does not have the huge logo on the front that covers up the beauty of the wood). The Cantiña is excellent for accompaniment of flamenco dance troupes-the low end cuts through and provides a solid thump for flamenco dance students to hear. The snap is also good-if you loosen the corners just a tiny bit (this takes time to get it just right) it adds more snap to the corners. The trick is to not overdo it, because that will affect the bass response. It’s a shorter height, but slightly wider cajon-and the front is angled for easier playability. The Seguiriya cajon is the same size as the Buleria, but has two sets of 8 strings like the Cantiña. But it has a different wood top and there are more ergonomic curves around the striking edges to reduce hand fatigue. More attention is given to the corners. When dialed in, the corners snap is THE BEST I’ve ever heard from any cajon-even the Martinete. It’s not as bassy though. It’s a tighter sounding response on the bass end. The hole has a built in reinforcement which gives the bottom end more focus. It’s a great cajon to accompany a cuadro-guitarist, cantaor (singer), palmas (hand claps), and a single dancer. The Martinete splits the difference. I had to adjust the internal tuning screws (the locking nut was preventing me from loosening the strings further) but one I did, it gave a great snare response. The loosened corners give a tasty snap similar to the Seguiriya but I still prefer the Seguiriya for that. The solid tulipwood panels for the body give the sound more authority and definition. It’s not as boomy as the Cantiña-it is more controlled. The strings are pushed against the face plate by means of a strip of a fabric bandage-providing some pressure to keep the sound tight. It’s a beauty-I opted to get mine directly from Pepote in Spain because I didn’t want the huge M logo covering up the beauty of the wood. It sounds great for accompanying a flamenco cuadro-it speaks then doesn’t linger to get in the way of the other action. Highly focused, tight tone. It’s exactly what a flamenco cajon should sound like. Each has its strengths and weaknesses. The Martinete may not be boomy enough for a dozen student dancers onstage. The Seguiriya sounds awesome all around but it’s not as deep a bass tone. The Cantiña is loud and boomy but not as responsive when it comes to intricate nuances like the other two. By the way, I have the Seguiriya with the Indian heartwood faceplate (not the burl), and the Cantiña is an early model-the new ones have that bass reflex thing on the bottom of the faceplate-I prefer the boom from a larger surface area on the faceplate with the hole in the back. I also have an LP Americana string cajon-I bought that hastily when my gear was stolen out of my car back in 2015. It has four strings across the inside of the faceplate. It’s really boomy but it lacks the rasp of my other cajons. I have others, and I made one back in 1995. Got it signed by Rubem Dantas and Max Roach. That’s another story… Hope this helps.
I have this cajon, my first one. I've loved learning on it and can lose myself for hours playing different rhythms. I really enjoy your videos Felipe, your passion for percussion is infectious!
This cajon does sound very nice. The bongo sound on the sides sound superb and really add to the versatility of the instrument. Personally I would like to have a little less rattle in the bass, but maybe that’s adjustable with the screws ? Only minor point of this review is it seems like there’s some (to my taste even too much) reverb in the recording, which makes it more difficult to judge the sound qualities. Maybe something to consider for upcoming reviews ? Overall: thank you for all your great video reviews 👍🏼
Thanks for your comment! For sure you can adjust the rattle with the screws. I've just use a little bit of reverb, the rest is from the room. Thanks for the suggestion, next time I might show a sample sound with no EQ ;) 😉🙏
Love the groove! Don't know if I am sold on the drum but I loved the review! I would love to see reviews on more cottage brands or not as well-known brands. Would love to see your thoughts on De Gregorio Cajon drums. Great job!!
@@Squirrelconga Fyi, this one is nowhere near there high end stuff. It's more of a step above entry level giging cajon. Of course, you may already know that. I wasn't trying to be presumptuous, just trying to help.
@@jerrywalker6043 Hey! Yeah, I had seen some that were quite a bit more over the top. Wasn't offended, though.. I was trying to choose my words to not belittle the entry level stuff, more than anything. Just wasn't sure if meinl was worth going back for, or not, for cajon. My congas are meinl and I love them! Already been buying international. Etc
Thank you for your videos, they are teaching me a lot, and i love your playing too. I am buying my first cajon and I am choosing between this lava burl buleria, and the Limba Cantina model as they are the same price here - they seem very similar, but the Cantina has a front facing port which seems very different and unusual. Is there a disadvantage to this, as not many cajons have it? I won’t be performing, so it’s not important for others to be able to hear better, but it is important that i can hear it best for myself. Would i learn more easily if there is a bigger separation between the tones of the cajon? I think the Buleria may be the right one to buy, but i like the limba wood a little bit better. Any other real differences? I would really appreciate your advice.
Hi Andy, thanks for your message. Both are great choices. The Cantina has a great bass tone because of the sub port in the front and the Buleria is a very versitile cajon for all situations let's say (I would go for it :)
Thanks for the reply Felipe, I have now found the beautiful Buleria in Mongoy wood and it is on its way to me right now. I’ve been tapping on tables and my car steering wheel for years, but now I am looking forward to doing this properly!
Has anyone played the newest model of this? Trying to get an idea of the tone difference between the tulip and the mongoy options. I hate the Meinl demo videos because there is a backing track that’s louder than the cajon.
@Tony Cross It depends which type music you play. I mostly play rock/alternative songs. the snare is not enough for me but it sounds great though (maybe) not so good for me for the price. Try to avoid buying online, I ordered 3 meinl cajons online they all have defect (T.T) they sent me the poorest quality they had. So I returned meinl cajon 2 times and the last one I repaired it because it is not expensive and the snare is alive.
@Tony Cross I personally like snare cajon :D. but be careful some snare cajon sounds like it doesn't have snares in it, same thing on my 2nd cajon from meinl... the quality are not always the same. sadly they are not consistent. I heard a lot of people like the sound of the lp aspire a1332.
I own three of the Meinl Artisan cajons-the Cantiña, the Seguiriya, and the “Martinete” (actually not Meinl, but a direct purchase from Pepote so it does not have the huge logo on the front that covers up the beauty of the wood).
The Cantiña is excellent for accompaniment of flamenco dance troupes-the low end cuts through and provides a solid thump for flamenco dance students to hear. The snap is also good-if you loosen the corners just a tiny bit (this takes time to get it just right) it adds more snap to the corners. The trick is to not overdo it, because that will affect the bass response. It’s a shorter height, but slightly wider cajon-and the front is angled for easier playability.
The Seguiriya cajon is the same size as the Buleria, but has two sets of 8 strings like the Cantiña. But it has a different wood top and there are more ergonomic curves around the striking edges to reduce hand fatigue. More attention is given to the corners. When dialed in, the corners snap is THE BEST I’ve ever heard from any cajon-even the Martinete. It’s not as bassy though. It’s a tighter sounding response on the bass end. The hole has a built in reinforcement which gives the bottom end more focus. It’s a great cajon to accompany a cuadro-guitarist, cantaor (singer), palmas (hand claps), and a single dancer.
The Martinete splits the difference. I had to adjust the internal tuning screws (the locking nut was preventing me from loosening the strings further) but one I did, it gave a great snare response. The loosened corners give a tasty snap similar to the Seguiriya but I still prefer the Seguiriya for that. The solid tulipwood panels for the body give the sound more authority and definition. It’s not as boomy as the Cantiña-it is more controlled. The strings are pushed against the face plate by means of a strip of a fabric bandage-providing some pressure to keep the sound tight. It’s a beauty-I opted to get mine directly from Pepote in Spain because I didn’t want the huge M logo covering up the beauty of the wood. It sounds great for accompanying a flamenco cuadro-it speaks then doesn’t linger to get in the way of the other action. Highly focused, tight tone. It’s exactly what a flamenco cajon should sound like.
Each has its strengths and weaknesses. The Martinete may not be boomy enough for a dozen student dancers onstage. The Seguiriya sounds awesome all around but it’s not as deep a bass tone. The Cantiña is loud and boomy but not as responsive when it comes to intricate nuances like the other two.
By the way, I have the Seguiriya with the Indian heartwood faceplate (not the burl), and the Cantiña is an early model-the new ones have that bass reflex thing on the bottom of the faceplate-I prefer the boom from a larger surface area on the faceplate with the hole in the back.
I also have an LP Americana string cajon-I bought that hastily when my gear was stolen out of my car back in 2015. It has four strings across the inside of the faceplate. It’s really boomy but it lacks the rasp of my other cajons.
I have others, and I made one back in 1995. Got it signed by Rubem Dantas and Max Roach. That’s another story…
Hope this helps.
I have this cajon, my first one. I've loved learning on it and can lose myself for hours playing different rhythms. I really enjoy your videos Felipe, your passion for percussion is infectious!
Great to hear! It's a great cajon 😉
This cajon does sound very nice. The bongo sound on the sides sound superb and really add to the versatility of the instrument. Personally I would like to have a little less rattle in the bass, but maybe that’s adjustable with the screws ?
Only minor point of this review is it seems like there’s some (to my taste even too much) reverb in the recording, which makes it more difficult to judge the sound qualities. Maybe something to consider for upcoming reviews ?
Overall: thank you for all your great video reviews 👍🏼
Thanks for your comment! For sure you can adjust the rattle with the screws. I've just use a little bit of reverb, the rest is from the room. Thanks for the suggestion, next time I might show a sample sound with no EQ ;) 😉🙏
I recently buy a meinl flamengo cajon and I love it! Its the meinl headliner HCAJ1NT series.
Great to hear! enjoy it and let me know if you need anything 😉
Thank you for making this video! I requested this a while ago, and I am happy to see you review it!!!
Glad it is helpful ;) cheers
Always the best cajon videos menil cajon are awasome
Love the groove! Don't know if I am sold on the drum but I loved the review! I would love to see reviews on more cottage brands or not as well-known brands. Would love to see your thoughts on De Gregorio Cajon drums. Great job!!
Thanks for your comment Chad! I'm glad you liked it. I will try my best to bring new stuff ;)
What timing! I'm on my porch with a cup of coffee and my Turbo Slap-Top. Cheers! Have a good week!
Thanks my friend, appreciate you comment here ;)
Loved the review sir 💕
Glad you liked it!
Thanks for the new video 👍
Have you ever tested Pur cajons?
Like the "PUR Vision SP" which is at a similar price to this one...
Hi Gabriel, thanks for your message. The Pur cajons are great! Different from the Meinl artisans because they are snare cajons.
Another great video my friend. the one right behind on your left is that the same type i like the face of it better.
Glad you enjoyed my friend! thanks again 🙏😉
Excelente vídeo Felipe!
Obrigado Fernando, que bom que gostou, um abraço!
I’m wondering if you are maining on snare cajons or flamenco cajons?
Sounds good..have you tried it with a cushion inside for some heavier bass sound😁
I will try it 😅 cheers bro!
Nice review Felipe, do you think the bass of this cajon is good as the Minera ? thx
I think so! There more bass because of the reflex system inside.
@@CajonMaster ok thanks, a comparison with these 2 models would be cool 😉
Thanks! I've been intrigued by their upper end cajons.
But skeptical because of their lower end stuff.
Their upper end stuff is really good...Meinl is basically a distributor for Pepote in the US- it's a pepote cajon with a meinl label.....
@@wweiland Thanks! 🙏That's kind of what I was gathering...but still wasn't sure
@@Squirrelconga Fyi, this one is nowhere near there high end stuff. It's more of a step above entry level giging cajon. Of course, you may already know that. I wasn't trying to be presumptuous, just trying to help.
@@jerrywalker6043 Hey! Yeah, I had seen some that were quite a bit more over the top. Wasn't offended, though..
I was trying to choose my words to not belittle the entry level stuff, more than anything.
Just wasn't sure if meinl was worth going back for, or not, for cajon. My congas are meinl and I love them!
Already been buying international. Etc
Very cool! Thank you.
Glad you liked it!
Thank you for your videos, they are teaching me a lot, and i love your playing too. I am buying my first cajon and I am choosing between this lava burl buleria, and the Limba Cantina model as they are the same price here - they seem very similar, but the Cantina has a front facing port which seems very different and unusual.
Is there a disadvantage to this, as not many cajons have it? I won’t be performing, so it’s not important for others to be able to hear better, but it is important that i can hear it best for myself. Would i learn more easily if there is a bigger separation between the tones of the cajon?
I think the Buleria may be the right one to buy, but i like the limba wood a little bit better. Any other real differences? I would really appreciate your advice.
Hi Andy, thanks for your message. Both are great choices. The Cantina has a great bass tone because of the sub port in the front and the Buleria is a very versitile cajon for all situations let's say (I would go for it :)
Thanks for the reply Felipe, I have now found the beautiful Buleria in Mongoy wood and it is on its way to me right now. I’ve been tapping on tables and my car steering wheel for years, but now I am looking forward to doing this properly!
Has anyone played the newest model of this? Trying to get an idea of the tone difference between the tulip and the mongoy options. I hate the Meinl demo videos because there is a backing track that’s louder than the cajon.
The difference is very subtle. I'll make a video with the new model soon ;)
What is your opinion on snare cajons?
Hi Evan. Snare cajons are great as well, have a look - ruclips.net/video/8lBETxQ5BmI/видео.html
Can you recommend this over the artisan tango limba?
This is superior because of the string tension screw, to adjust. The sound is a bit more powerful as well.
@@CajonMaster Thanks !
I just bought it 🎉🎉🎉
I’m expecting it to arrive this Saturday ❤
@Tony Cross It depends which type music you play. I mostly play rock/alternative songs. the snare is not enough for me but it sounds great though (maybe) not so good for me for the price. Try to avoid buying online, I ordered 3 meinl cajons online they all have defect (T.T) they sent me the poorest quality they had. So I returned meinl cajon 2 times and the last one I repaired it because it is not expensive and the snare is alive.
@Tony Cross I personally like snare cajon :D. but be careful some snare cajon sounds like it doesn't have snares in it, same thing on my 2nd cajon from meinl... the quality are not always the same. sadly they are not consistent. I heard a lot of people like the sound of the lp aspire a1332.
❤❤❤❤👌👌👌👌👌👌
Bicho tu é brasileiro né?
Olá Kelvin, tudo bem?! 😉