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Instrument? 'beat' box?

26 Feb 04 - 11:34 AM (#1124396)
Subject: Instrument? 'beat' box?
From: ReeBop

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


26 Feb 04 - 11:50 AM (#1124405)
Subject: RE: Instrument? 'beat' box?
From: Allan C.

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


26 Feb 04 - 03:40 PM (#1124603)
Subject: RE: Instrument? 'beat' box?
From: dick greenhaus

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.


26 Feb 04 - 03:53 PM (#1124625)
Subject: RE: Instrument? 'beat' box?
From: Allan C.

Oops. My error. Cajón means drawer or locker.


26 Feb 04 - 04:12 PM (#1124650)
Subject: RE: Instrument? 'beat' box?
From: Bee-dubya-ell

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


26 Feb 04 - 06:59 PM (#1124770)
Subject: RE: Instrument? 'beat' box?
From: The Fooles Troupe

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