Click to read the review in Drum Magazine!

The Kotz Tone Cajon™ Drum

A modern tonal adaptation of traditional Cuban and Peruvian cajons, the Kotz Tone Cajon™ provides hand drummers and percussionists with a unique new voice. A combination of luthier quality tone-woods, a unique "sympathetic resonating head" design, and meticulous craftsmanship all contribute to the instrument's deep, full sound.

My goal is to make a very personal instrument that can serve as an extension of an artist's voice.

Meeting with a musician to find out what sounds they're looking for is typically the first step to designing a cajon. It's important to ascertain their playing style and understand the context in which the instrument will be used. Will the player sit on the cajon or stand behind it? Will it be stationary or portable? For the studio or the road? Will it be amplified and if so how?

The size and shape of the cajon, the type and thickness of wood used, and the sound hole size and placement all contribute to the instrument's pitch, character, volume, and timbre.

Kotz cajon drums feature a sympathetic resonating head design which serves as a diaphragm much like the sound board of an acoustic guitar. The result is a remarkably clear and resonant tone. The "head" is made from a variety of different woods depending upon the desired sound. The low tones are warm and the rim or high sounds are bright without sacrificing character. Some of the woods I use are cherry, koa, mahogany, figured maple, and bubinga.

How best to utilize the natural beauty of a particular piece of wood plays an important role in the overall design. The instruments are made to be enjoyed esthetically as well as musically. No screws, nails or other fasteners are used.

In discussions with players I've found that cajones with loosened corners (for slap sounds) tend to lack low bass resonance. To facilitate slap sounds and maintain the tonal integrity of the instrument I've designed "Slap-Pads" (Patent Pending) which attach to the exterior of the drum. Depending upon their shape, size, and placement many new sounds are possible.

For percussionists who prefer to stand I've designed a large "double" mounted on sculptural legs. Actually two drums in one, it's played like a set of congas. The tonal range of this instrument is remarkable.