10 easy steps to build your own Schlagwerk cajon!
Schlagwerk’s assembly kits are unbeatably affordable for anyone who wants to build their own instrument. The most successful cajon assembly kit of recent years is now even better. Thanks to the newly designed and precisely prefabricated parts, and with the tension belts and quick-drying adhesive included, it now takes even less time.
How to Start:
There are a few things you need before you can start to assembly your cajon:
A screwdriver
A hammer
A pencil
A ruler
If you have these, go ahead and start unpacking the assembly kit. You will find Schlagwerk’s precisely prefabricated components in the box with express glue and tensioning belts included.
Step 1: Assemble the resonance box
To make this step easier, start with placing the tensioning belts parallel with each other in front of you, with the blue tanks pointing downwards.
Then, put the base panel of the cajon on top of them. It doesn’t really matter which panel you use here. But our advice is to save the best-looking panel for the top.
Next, you can start putting some glue on the edges.
Once the glue is applied, you can place the side panels on top of the base panel and the resonance box will already begin to take shape.
Next, apply the glue to the edges of the top panel and place it on top of the side panels you have just placed.
IMPORTANT FOR THIS STEP: Make sure that all the components are straight and remove needless glue by using a wet cloth for a better looking result!
Step 2: Use the template
The template is the small, wooden plank that is included in the assembly kit. This will ensure that your instrument has nice right angles.
Position the template in the middle of the resonance box and the side panels will simply align themselves with it.
IMPORTANT FOR THIS STEP: Double check if all the panels are straight.
Step 3: Use the tensions belts to hold everything together
Pull the tensions belts up around the cajon, close the buckles and pull the belts as tight as possible. At this point, it is possible that something shifts again so make sure the check again of every component of your instrument is straight.
Step 4: Let the glue dry (approx. 20 minutes)
Waiting can be hard sometimes!
Step 5: Start preparing the inner working of the cajon!
In the meantime, you can already start preparing the inner working of your instrument. Depending on the size of your instrument. You will have 1 or 2 snare units. Medium sized cajons will have 1 unit, large sized cajons will have 2.
If you have 1 snare unit, place it in the middle.
If you have 2 snare units, there has to be a gap of 6 centimeters between each snare unit and side panel!
The easiest way to do this, is to mark the position of the screws with small holes first. Then, enlarge them using a larger nail. Before attaching the snare, make sure that the strips are firm in place.
Step 6: Place the snare unit strips in your cajon (after the dry process).
After the drying process, you can remove the template that was used before. Then, it’s time to apply the snare unit strips to your instrument.
Use the rectangular strip for the bottom. Make sure that the strip is exactly flush with the front edge.
Our advice: Use the hammer for final minor adjustments, if necessary.
Turn the cajon upside down and repeat the operation. Place the rounded strip and make sure that it is exactly flush with the front edge.
Step 7: Screw the snare unit on the wooden strips.
Screw the snare units in the holes you made earlier.
Step 8: Attach the playing panel to the resonance box
Apply the glue on the edges of the resonance box. Put on the playing panel straight away.
IMPORTANT FOR THIS STEP: Check that the logo is at the base of the cajon!
Take the pressing board, lay it on the playing panel and tighten the belts around the instrument to ensure that the playing panel is pressed into place evenly. Now wait for the glue to dry! (20 min.)
Step 9: Sand the edges of the sound hole in the rear panel
Use the sandpaper included in the kit to sand the edges of the sound hole in the rear panel. The easiest way to do this is to wrap the sandpaper around a sponge.
Step 10: Attach the rear panel to the resonance box (after the drying process)
Apply the glue on the edges of the resonance box. Put on the rear panel straight away.
Take the pressing board, lay it on the rear panel and tighten the belts around the instrument to ensure that the rear panel is pressed into place evenly. Now wait again for the glue to dry! (20 min.)
Finishing
You now have completed all steps and you will most likely have a self-assembled cajon.
To give your masterpiece a nice finish, make sure that the edges are rounded by making use of the sandpaper. This is most important on the upper section of the playing surface.
Then, attach the feet at all four corners of the base.
You can also wax or oil your instrument afterwards to give it a better look, or for protection.
