Instrument? 'beat' box?

Subject: Instrument? 'beat' box?
From: ReeBop
Date: 26 Feb 04 - 11:34 AM

I'm looking for information on a box that you sit on and beat the sides of as a percussion instrument. I saw someone playing one with a band last night and I think it looked like lots of fun. So...I'm wondering:

How do I get one?

Where can I get instructions on how to build one? (Not that I have any space to build one in...but I would like to know)

Is there any special skills in playing the box?

Does it have a special name?

What are the origins/history?

Any information on it would be great! Thanks.

Reebop

Subject: RE: Instrument? 'beat' box?
From: Allan C.
Date: 26 Feb 04 - 11:50 AM

The one I have seen are from Peru and is known as a cajón which is pronounced ka-HON and simply means "big box".

Subject: RE: Instrument? 'beat' box?
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 26 Feb 04 - 03:40 PM

A neat variation on this theme that I saw (and heard) once was a homemade mbira about the size of a large suitcase. Sounded good.

Subject: RE: Instrument? 'beat' box?
From: Allan C.
Date: 26 Feb 04 - 03:53 PM

Oops. My error. Cajón means drawer or locker.

Subject: RE: Instrument? 'beat' box?
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 26 Feb 04 - 04:12 PM

HERE are instructions for building a bass mbira/kalimba like Dick mentioned. Just leave off the "twangers" and hit it with hands or mallet and it would probably work as a "beat box". It's big enough to sit on, but could be made larger if desired.

Bruce

Subject: RE: Instrument? 'beat' box?
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 26 Feb 04 - 06:59 PM

Spanish Flamenco dancers are sometimes accompanied by a guitar and a guy beating on a box he's sitting on - I found them on the web once - lost the marker - they are now considered fairly normal Flamenco accompaniment now apparently.

Robin