SelaSE 001 Snare Cajon Kit with Instructions and Audio CD, Natural, Standard (SE001)

This is a much higher quality Cajon than I originally was looking for. I knew I could save money buying the kit and the first step was to watch the assembly video to make sure it was a project I could handle. Even though the video was in German, it looked simple to me so I placed the order. I have lots of tools and a workshop and was all set up by the time it arrived. The written instructions are in English and I read them completely before starting. You need to have the recommended cleaning supplies handy because step one is to glue the frame together quickly, before the glue gums up. That was the easiest part of the project but also the most intimidating part! They suggest practicing using the straps without glue a couple of times first. I agree. They give you two small tubes of glue, which worked out to be enough but I had wood glue of my own handy, in case. The drum took me four days to complete but most of that was sanding and waiting for the finish to dry between coats.The playing surface is very special material and replaceable if needed. I love the snares! The sound is well balanced and the snares can be removed or muffled adequately with your heel if you like. It takes very little effort to make great sound. I also recommend their suggestion of placing shims by the corner screws for an added rimshot sound! I'm very proud of how it turned out and now, I can't stop playing with it!

I had some questions about the kit and was surprised to have Paul Jennings from Pauljenningsmusic dot com call me back and answer them all. The kit is fun to build. Make sure you watch the video from Sela first if you are not someone who does a lot of woodworking. It's not brain surgery, but you want to make sure everything is ready to go because once you apply the glue you are working in a short window. I did it on a summer day and it was pretty quick, so I'd recommend a dry run like it says on the video when getting ready to glue the 4 sides together. Other than that, it was a fun project. The cajon sounds great. I like that the video includes information on how to adjust the slap corners and the snare to your liking. The snare is also removable, which is nice. I finished mine with Johnson paste wax, link below, and it looks great. You can use any finish on the cajon, but I think a light wax or tung oil on the tapa is best. If you put a thick coat of laquer or acrylic on the tapa you will deaden the bass sound. So go with a very light finish on the tapa (front thin veneer that you thump on). Overall, great kit and great seller.http://www.amazon.com/Johnson-Fine-Wood-Paste-00203/dp/B0000DIWIM/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1441496587&sr=8-3&keywords=finishing+wax&pebp=1441496658750&perid=1QEHYKHQ7P4WMP9TK47D

Pro - Very nice and clean looking. Good tone. Simple instructions and easy to follow for assembly. Moderate woodworking skills.Con - A little pricey for a DIY. You can buy a finished Cajon for as much money. Weak snare. Could use an straight snare assembly. Couldn't buy a Sela case. All sold out!

The only thing I like about this is the sound is decent. The fit of the panels is not right, the front and rear panels are larger than the frame by close to 1/8in on the top and sides, or bottom whichever way you decide to center the piece. Either way it will need to be cut or sanded down to fit flush. The wood had several pieces that were splintering along the edges, again you will have to sand to make it right. Assembly was straight forward. The snare provided had two wires already broken off that I had to repair before I could ever use it. All in all it will be nice after I have the time to sand the pieces to the correct size so they will fit and not snag on clothing or splinter and break. I understand it is an unfinished product that requires assemble and finishing but this was not even cut correctly. Definitely not worth the price for the amount of work needed to make it fit together correctly. Do yourself a favor and get a better brand for a few dollars more.

Great gift for the do it yourselfer.

I just received this drum today after much research and debate on which one to buy. I'm a total beginner at drumming (but a bit crafty) so I chose to go with an assembly kit. The assembly was very easy! I did all of it (up to the sanding which was in the cold garage) in my living room since it's snowing outside. The parts fit together great and I'm very happy with how the wood looks. The drum sounds really awesome it has a much wider range of tone than I expected. I'm very happy with this purchase

The kit was easy to build, most novice woodworkers should have no trouble putting it together. The sound is really good, it has a unique snare system that sounds like a snare. I finished mine with 3 coats of Verathane water based clear polyurethane, the "tapa" or the front took about 5 coats. Bottom line, it looks good and sounds great, and you save a lot of money by building it your self, I would recommend this cajon to anybody. I almost forgot, you also get one month of free lessons online, and they are pretty good lessons for free.

Ease of Assembly 9/10- It came with everything you need to put the cajon together, all you need is the drill.- The instructions were clear and there's even a step-by-step video.- I personally coated it several times with mineral oil, but you can use any oil/varnish of your choice to make it even betterSound 9/10:- I bought this after listening to samples of many different cajons and was not dissapointed- The bass is deep and warm and the snare sounds great as well- The snare piece is easy to attach/remove to play more "traditional" styleValue 10/10- Great quality, great sound, great price, I highly recommend.It is also relatively easy to learn and there's is a lot of free lessons online on youtube.I think I was able to play at a pretty decent level after couple days and weeks.Thank you Sela for this great product