Fazley Cajon

Discover the Key Features and Benefits of the Fazley Cajon Drum

The Fazley cajon has become an increasingly popular hand drum and percussion instrument, loved by drummers, percussionists and musicians around the world. In this comprehensive buying guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Fazley cajons – from costs and materials to sound quality and usage tips.

Whether you’re a beginner seeking your first cajon, or a professional drummer wanting to add a new dynamic to your setup, this guide will help you decide if the Fazley cajon is the right option for you. Let’s dive in!

What is a Fazley Cajon?

A Fazley cajon is a box-shaped percussion instrument that originally came from Peru. It consists of a wooden box with a hole cut into the back – this hole acts as a bass port to amplify the lower frequencies. The front plate is not fixed, allowing it to vibrate and create sound.

Fazley is a company that manufacturers cajons and exports them worldwide from Peru. Their cajons are made using high quality solid wood, often Ash or Baltic Birch. This gives them a full-bodied punchy sound perfect for drummers.

The player sits astride the Fazley cajon and taps on the front plate using their hands and fingers. This allows them to play bass, snare and cymbal sounds simultaneously. Fazley cajons are versatile instruments suitable for any genre.

Are Fazley Cajons Good for Beginners?

Fazley cajons are an excellent choice for beginners for several reasons:

• They are relatively affordable compared to a full drum kit. Beginners can start playing percussion without a huge investment.
• Fazley cajons are simple and intuitive to play. You sit on the drum and tap out rhythms on the front plate.
• They are highly portable – easy to carry around and set up anywhere. Great for jamming on the go.
• The Fazley produces quality sounds out of the box. Beginners can make great music from day one.
• Playing the cajon helps build coordination and rhythm skills that transfer to other instruments.
• Fazley cajons come in different sizes, allowing beginners to pick the right fit for their needs.

So if you’re starting out on hand drums, the user-friendly and versatile Fazley cajon is an ideal first instrument. The sounds will inspire you to keep playing and improving.

How Much Does a Fazley Cajon Cost?

Fazley cajons range in price from around $100 up to $500. The exact price depends on the size, wood type, and any extra features. Some key factors that influence the cost of a Fazley cajon are:

• Size – Smaller cajons are more affordable, while larger options cost more.
• Wood – Cheaper softwood Fazley cajons may cost around $100-150. Mid-range Hardwoods like Ash raise the price to around $200-300. Top-end wood types like Walnut can cost over $400.
• Features – Built-in snares, pickups, and bags/cases add to the price. Basic models cost less than full option cajons.
• Craftsmanship – Handmade cajons with fine details command higher prices. Mass-produced models are generally cheaper.
• Branding – More famous artist signature models can bump up the price. Standard Fazley models are more budget-friendly.

While you can find very cheap cajons for under $100, Fazley cajons are known for quality and are worth investing a little more in. For most players, expect to pay $200-400 for a satisfying Fazley cajon.

Where Can I Buy a Fazley Cajon?

Here are some of the best places to buy a Fazley cajon:

• Online – The full Fazley range is available at online retailers like Amazon and specialty percussion stores like DrumFactoryDirect and MegaPerc. This allows you to compare prices and models.
• Music Stores – Many local drum shops and music stores will stock at least a couple of Fazley cajon models. Try them out in person.
• Direct from Fazley – You can order directly from the Fazley website to get signature models and custom cajons.
• eBay – Search eBay and you’ll find new and used Fazley cajons from various sellers.
• Craigslist – Check Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace for good deals on used cajons in your area.
• Fazley Distributors – If purchasing overseas, find the local Fazley distributor in your country.

Wherever you choose to buy from, make sure to do your research and read reviews. Buying directly from Fazley or a reputable retailer ensures you get the real thing.

What Materials Are Fazley Cajons Made Of?

Authentic Fazley cajons use high-quality solid woods for both sound and looks. Some of the most common woods found in Fazley cajons are:

• Ash Wood – The most popular wood used in Fazley cajons. Ash has bright attack and balanced tone perfect for cajons. Provides a great value option.
• Maple – Hard Canadian Maple offers superb resonance. It has gorgeous figuring and grain in the wood. Ideal for a warm, full-bodied cajon sound.
• Birch – Birch plywood is an affordable alternative to solid woods. Offers great durability at a cheaper price point.
• Walnut – Walnut has richer mid-tones and looks stunning when finished with a polyurethane coating. A premium wood choice.
• Oak – Oak has tremendous resonance and projection. Provides deep lows and cutting highs.
• Cedar – Lightweight cedar is sometimes used for the front plate. It contributes to bright and diverse tones.

High quality glue and finish is used in Fazley cajon construction. This ensures the woods vibrate freely and optimizes the acoustics.

How Does the Fazley Cajon Compare to Other Brands?

The Fazley cajon is regarded as one of the best cajon brands, providing an ideal balance of quality and price. Here’s how it compares to some other top cajon makers:

• Meinl – Meinl cajons are known for innovative features, but are pricier. Fazley provides better value for money.
• LP – LP makes great cajons, but they are US-based. Fazley cajons have more authenticity coming direct from Peru.
• Ortega – Ortega focuses mainly on beginner student models. Fazley has better pro-level options.
• Schlagwerk – Schlagwerk specializes in high-end cajons with advanced snare systems. Fazley competes on sound quality but with simpler features.
• Pacific Drums – Pacific is another Peruvian brand, but Fazley uses better woodworking and finishing for a superior acoustic quality.

While there are lots of great cajon brands today, Fazley stands out for its unbeatable mix of quality, value, tradition, and reliability.

What are the Best Fazley Cajon Models Available?

With an array of Fazley cajons to choose from, here are 5 of the best Fazley models currently available:

• Fazley Elite Series – The flagship Fazley cajon. Built from 100% Ash with excellent snare response. The benchmark Fazley cajon.
• Fazley Artist Series – Unique collaborations between Fazley and cajon masters featuring signature touches and premium materials.
• Fazley Acero Series – Fazley cajons with special steel front plates for added projection and clarity. Great for amplifying your sound.
• Fazley Clave – A mini cajon with three playing surfaces. Perfect for percussionists wanting maximum sound options.
• Fazley Junior – A 3/4 size cajon made from Birch. Ideal for beginners, children and traveling drummers due to its portability and lower price.

You can count on any cajon from Fazley’s lineup being well-built and great sounding. Check out their catalog and videos to find your perfect match.

Are Fazley Cajons Suitable for Professional Musicians?

Fazley cajons are absolutely professional grade instruments used by tons of gigging drummers and percussionists. Here’s why they excel for pros:

• All-wood construction – Pro-level Fazley cajons use quality tonewoods like Ash and Maple. This gives them rich, nuanced tone perfect for studio and stage.
• Peruvian craftsmanship – They are handmade in Peru by master cajon builders. This pedigree is respected by professional players.
• Sound versatility – From crisp snare slaps to powerful bass punches, Fazley cajons have the dynamic sounds pros need.
• Rugged durability – The sturdy build quality handles extensive play and travel without letting drummers down.
• Customization options – Fazley offers pro features like padded seating, angled fronts, inbuilt pickups and more.
• Trusted brand – Leading percussionists like Horacio Hernandez and Giovanni Hidalgo use Fazley cajons.
• Great value – Pro-grade features and tone at an affordable price compared to high-end boutique brands.

With the quality to handle the biggest stages and the resonant tones to make recordings come alive, Fazley cajons are a smart choice for any working drummer wanting reliability and authenticity.

Does the Fazley Cajon Come with a Snare?

Most Fazley cajons come equipped with an internal snare system integrated into the design. This snare creates the “crack” sound when you strike the center or edges of the front plate.

Fazley mainly uses fixed snare strands made of guitar strings or cables running parallel to the front plate. Simply adjust the pressure against the front plate to control the snare response and volume.

Some higher end Fazley models feature adjustable snares. Turning a dial allows you to tighten or loosen the snare wires to fine tune the sensitivity.

External snares with multiple wires on the outer front plate are also found on select Fazley cajon models. This gives extra crispness and projection.

While cajons can be played without a snare, the wires enable authentic percussion sounds. Fazley’s snares capture the essence of drums like a snare drum or hi-hat.

How Durable Are Fazley Cajons?

Fazley cajons have a reputation for great durability thanks to their solid wooden construction and quality manufacturing. Here are some key facts about their sturdiness:

• The hardwoods like Ash and Birch are resistant to cracking and warping from repeated playing.
• The precision joinery ensures a rigid body that withstands knocking and bumps during transport.
• External screws, corner protectors and braces reinforce structural weak points prone to damage.
• Polyurethane finishes protect against scratches, scuffs and minor moisture damage.
• Fazley cajons don’t have any loose parts or complex mechanisms that can break easily.
• Premium Fazley models feature thicker woods and sturdier build elements.
• The simple design minimizes potential points of failure.

While no cajon will last forever, Fazley’s thoughtful construction and durable materials ensure you’ll enjoy years of play before upgrades are needed. The all-wood craftsmanship stands the test of time.

Are Fazley Cajons Lightweight and Portable?

A key benefit of Fazley cajons is their lightweight, portable design. Features that improve transportability include:

• Compact size easily fits in a car trunk or slides under an airline seat. Full-size cajons are under 2 feet long.
• Weighing 10-15 pounds, they are relatively easy to carry by hand. Some models have side handles to assist.
• Available in smaller 3/4 and 1/2 sizes for children and easy packing.
• Optional padded gig bags, backpack straps and wheel cases simplify transport.
• Durable construction and bracing handles frequent transport without damage.
• Simple shape with no protruding parts avoids breakages in transit.
• The cajon itself can double as a stool allowing for casual jam sessions anywhere.

If you want a versatile hand drum you can take anywhere, Fazley cajons are perfect. Their streamlined design and lightweight wood materials let you play on the move with minimal fuss.

What Styles of Music Are Fazley Cajons Suitable For?

The versatile and expressive tones of the Fazley cajon make it suitable for a huge range of musical styles:

• Flamenco – The cajon originated as a flamenco instrument and is excellent for fiery Spanish rhythms.
• Peruvian – Fazley’s Peruvian roots mean it excels at folkloric genres like Zapateo and Festejo.
• Latin – The punchy sound works perfectly for Latin jazz, salsa, reggae, samba and more.
• Pop – Many pop drummers use cajons for acoustic sets and unique textures.
• Rock – Adds percussive flavor to rock bands when you ditch the drum kit.
• World – Cajons are at home in African and Middle Eastern world music ensembles.
• Folk – The hand drum roots shine through in folk and blues.
• Worship – Provides rhythm and joyful noise for worship music settings.

From intimate acoustic gigs to eclectic world music fusion, the Fazley cajon fits right in thanks to its diversity. The options are endless.

Does the Fazley Cajon Come with a Carry Bag or Case?

Fazley sells cajons as just the drum itself without any included gig bag or case. However, they do offer premium optional bags and cases to protect your cajon during transport and storage:

• Fazley Padded Gig Bags – Affordable padded nylon bags with backpack straps and handles. Offer basic protection.
• Fazley Deluxe Bags – Thickly padded bags with reflective trim and extra storage pockets.
• Fazley Molded Cases – Durable polyethylene cases shield from crushing damage. Ideal for air travel.
• Owen Carry Bags – Stylish embroidered cotton guitar-style gig bags.
• Cajon Box Case – Shaped wooden crate with customizable padding.
• Other Brand Bags – Many major bag brands make cajon-specific gig bags. Shop around.

While not mandatory, a purpose-built case provides peace of mind and convenience. Bags with straps make carrying easy. Hard cases add maximum protection.

What Do Customer Reviews Say About Fazley Cajons?

Overall, customer reviews praise Fazley cajons for their quality, value and sound. Common positives in reviews include:

• Great build quality and beautiful finishing using solid woods.
• The cajons produce a rich, warm and resonant tone.
• Fazley cajons are very comfortable to play while seated.
• Snare wires have excellent response and accurate placement.
• Good volume and projection from the percussive playing.
• Arrives well packaged and protected during shipping.
• Lightweight and convenient size for traveling drummers.
• Easy to assemble and tune up out of the box.
• Excellent customer service from the Fazley company.
• More affordable than bigger name brands while maintaining top quality.

For most players, Fazley cajons exceed expectations and provide an inspiring hand drum with professional grade construction and sound at a reasonable price point.

How Do I Adjust the Snare on a Fazley Cajon?

Fazley cajons use internal fixed snare strands running parallel to the front plate. To adjust the snare response:

• Locate the snare adjustment screws on the inside panel of your cajon.
• Using a Phillips head screwdriver, turn the screws clockwise to increase pressure and amplify the snare sound.
• Turn counterclockwise to reduce pressure for a more muted snare effect.
• Make small incremental turns to progressively adjust the snare sensitivity.
• Adjust both screws equally to ensure even pressure across the front plate.
• The snare is correctly set when you hear a crisp “crack” from rim shots.
• Avoid overtightening as it can deaden the cajon resonance and cause rattles.

Fine tune based on your playing style and the needs of different songs. Let your ears guide you to find the perfect sizzle!

Are Fazley Cajons Available in Different Sizes?

Fazley makes cajons in a few different size options:

• Full Size – The standard Fazley cajon has dimensions around 30x30x50cm (12″x12″x20″). This is suitable for most adult players.
• 3/4 Size – Scaled down to around 25x25x45cm (10″x10″x18″). A good fit for youths and smaller drummers.
• 1/2 Size – Further reduced to around 20x20x40cm (8″x8″x16″). Ideal for children learning cajon.
• El Jefe – An extra large 40x40x60cm (16″x16″x24″) cajon for those wanting maximum low-end.
• Mini Cajons – Fun compact cajons like the Fazley Clave at 15x15x30cm (6″x6″x12″).

Choosing the right size affects comfort, sound and portability. Let your height and needs guide your decision for optimal playing. Fazley has a cajon to fit everyone.

Can the Fazley Cajon Be Used As a Drum Kit Alternative?

A major strength of the Fazley cajon is providing drum kit-like sounds from a single hand drum. Here’s how it substitutes for a full drum set:

• Striking the center produces a bass drum thump. Adjust the rear port air volume to control sustain.
• Slap the edges or corners for a snare drum crack from the internal snares.
• Toms can be mimicked by tapping nearer the edges for higher pitch.
• Use your fingers to create closed/open hi-hat sounds.
• Alternate hand placement to generate ride cymbal-like pings.
• Swiftly rub the front plate to elicit cymbal swells.
• Hit the side or top panels for woodblock and cowbell tones.

With experience, a Fazley cajon allows drummers to lay down beats covering most of the drum set. Add brushes for even more dynamic sounds.

What is the Sound Quality of Fazley Cajons?

The combination of quality solid woods and fine Peruvian craftsmanship gives Fazley cajons excellent, balanced acoustic properties:

• Bass – Deep, resonant bass tones from the larger front plate. Provides solid low-end foundation.
• Mid-range – Strong projection and clarity in the mid frequencies important for cutting through mixes.
• Highs – Crisp and defined highs from the snare wires. Not too bright or harsh sounding.
• Sensitivity – The front plate readily vibrates from soft finger taps to forceful hand slaps.
• Articulation – Superb note separation whether playing fast rolls or rhythmic percussion.
• Tonewoods – Woods like Ash evoke a warm, full and natural drum-like tonality.
• Versatility – From thick and punchy to thin and brittle, the Fazley cajon can produce an array of voices to suit any occasion or genre.

If you value acoustic excellence from your hand drums, Fazley delivers quality and nuance to please the most discerning ears.

Are There Any Discounts or Deals on Fazley Cajons?

Here are some tips for saving money on your Fazley cajon purchase:

• Check online stores for occasional sales, coupons and special offers on Fazley cajons. Sign up for newsletters to receive discount alerts.
• Buy during major sales holidays like Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Amazon Prime Day for the deepest discounts.
• Look for used Fazley cajons locally via Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace to save over new.
• Buy B-Stock direct from Fazley to get discounted scratch and dent models.
• Ask local music stores if they can match or beat pricing from big online retailers.
• Buy older year models that stores are clearing out for the newest editions.
• Consider cheaper Fazley lines like the Elements range if you don’t need pro features.
• Wait for seasonal inventory clearances like after Christmas to grab deals.

While Fazley cajons are already reasonably priced, these tips can help you unlock extra savings off the regular retail price.

How Do I Maintain and Care for a Fazley Cajon?

Caring for your Fazley cajon will keep it sounding its best for years. Recommended maintenance tips:

• Keep the cajon out of direct sunlight and extreme temperatures which can damage the wood.
• Consider adding humidity control devices if living in very dry or damp environments.
• Every few months, check and tighten the tuning screws if needed to prevent rattling.
• Use a soft brush or cloth to remove any dust from the outer surfaces.
• Treat wood surfaces occasionally with lemon oil polish to nourish and protect.
• If adjusting snares, take care not to overtighten and strain the wires.
• Pack neatly into padded bags for transport to prevent knocking and scuffing.
• Avoid sitting anything heavy on the cajon even when stored.
• Replace the snares or front plate if they become too worn after extensive play.
• Consider fitting casters for easy mobility if your cajon remains stationary.

With some simple care and maintenance, your Fazley cajon will stay playable and maintain its superb resonance. Treat it well so you can enjoy the wonderful tones for many years.

Conclusion

Fazley cajons offer an amazing combination of professional grade quality, authentic Peruvian craftsmanship and great value pricing. Whether you’re a beginner or pro drummer, the Fazley cajon’s excellent sound, comfort and reliability make it a hugely rewarding hand drum.

Use this complete buying guide to find the perfect Fazley cajon for your needs. Discover why so many drummers are joining the cajon revolution thanks to Fazley’s dedication to excellence. Let your inner percussionist out – tap into new rhythmic possibilities with the dynamic tones of the Fazley cajon today!