Very recently, we have received yet another parcel from Germany, Gutenstetten, to be exact. All drum maniacs around the world know that that is where the Meinl company is based. Inside the parcel, there was a number of interesting instruments and drum accessories, which we are going to thoroughly test for you. We will share the results of our tests with you as we go along. Today, we would like to present our review of the Meinl Woodcraft Makah-Burl cajon.
To hit on this and some other instruments, we invited Maciej “Mustafa” Giżejewski. He is a graduate of the Dept. of Arabic Studies at Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poland, as well as a professional percussionist collaborating with the top actress/singer Stanisława Celińska and his own Drum Work outfit. This makes him an excellent person to put the products we have received to the test.
Meinl Woodcraft Makah-Burl WCP100MB Cajon
1. The product
We tested the Meinl Woodcraft Makah-Burl cajon at our own recording facility. Maciej Giżejewski presents the instrument’s entire dynamic range by single strokes followed by a number of rhythmic figures.
2. Basic product specification:
- Manufacturer: Meinl Percussion
- Product type: Cajon
- Model: Woodcraft Makah-Burl
- Finish: Makah-Burl
- Symbol: WCP100MB
- Material: Baltic birch (7 plies, 9 mm), makah-burl (frontplate)
- Measurements: 11 3/4″ (width), 19 3/4″ (height), 12″ (depth)
- Snares: Steel
- Sound port: Yes, on the rear panel
- Rubber feet: Yes
- Rounded corners: Yes
3. The test
The Meinl Woodcraft Makah-Burl cajon is made from Baltic birch wood. As you may have guessed, it is not exactly the most traditional material used for building instruments of this kind but Maciej tells us it has been more and more commonly used for its sonic qualities. Additionally, we have a frontplate made from makah burl, which gives a beautiful visual effect. The cajon is pure eye candy and could easily be used as a decorative element at home.
Is it also ear candy? To us, it is! Thanks to slightly enlarged size, a player gets additional low frequencies and depth, while its sensitive snares covering the inside of the playing surface guarantee an almost snare-drum-like sound characteristic of accents and backbeats as well as finger roll articulation comfort. The 12 mm birch ply allows a player to “attack” the cajon with some powerful strokes, but without losing warmth in the way it sounds. Rounded corners guarantee additional playing comfort as one does not have to worry about sustaining an injury from a sharp corner.
Meinl Woodcraft cajons are also available in the following finishes: Mahogany (mahogany frontplate), Baltic Birch (Baltic birch frontplate) and Espresso Burst (also, Baltic birch frontplate) .
4. Summary
We consider this to be an excellent instrument, however, we think we should let Maciej “Mustafa” Giżejewski himself sum up the whole experience: “Meinl Woodcraft is a cajon that’s slightly bigger than a standard one, which results in a broader low and mid frequency band. Crunchy high end is also present, which makes it a perfect instrument for slightly louder playing, even along with electric instruments. Its natural power will come in handy in situations where there is no miking for it. I’m very impressed, both with this cajon’s sound qualities as well as the way it looks.“
Producer: https://meinlpercussion.com/
Distributor in Poland: http://www.meinldistribution.pl/
OUR VERDICT: 5/5 TOP
Advantages:
- Beautiful design
- Magnificently crafted
- Sturdy construction
- Warm, deep sound
- Strong, crunchy attack
- Rounded corners
Disadvantages:
- None
Drummers and Drummerettes! It’s time to put the Meinl Woodcraft Makah-Burl cajon to the most important test of all, i. e. the en.beatit.tv viewers’ test! Exclusively for you, we give you Maciej “Mustafa” Giżejewski!
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