The cajon is a percussion box that you sit on, striking the front face (tapa) with your palms or fingertips — a basic instrument for acoustic sets, flamenco, Latin music, or worship bands that do not want a full drum kit. The sound varies depending on the wood of the face: Baltic birch gives a brighter and stronger sound, while almond birch is warmer. Models with internal wire snares produce that characteristic 'pop' sound on the top hit, similar to a small drum — there are also versions without snares, with a fuller sound, closer to an acoustic bass (subwoofer cajon). Meinl's Snarecraft series is the go-to choice for musicians performing live, while Club Salsa offers a solid option at a more affordable price for beginners. For children or music classes, there are also educational versions that are smaller and lighter. On all models, the front cover can be adjusted with screws to modify the tension of the snares and, consequently, how strongly the sound 'pops'.