Cymbals & Cajon

Heidi Joubert shares about the cymbals she uses, gives demonstrations and shares very useful tips and knowledge on using cymbals with the cajon.
More free cajon videos on cajonbox.com

[@edzak7001]

Because of this video, I just received the Sabian 11-inch AAX X-Plosion Splash Cymbal. So happy with this purchase! This SABIAN cymbal exceeded my expectations. She was 100% dead-on! Strike it with your hand or with nylon brushes and it sounds wonderful. I still can't believe that a 11" splash delivers as much as this does. Sabian has a winner with their AAX X-Plosion line for sure!

[@vlchalwell]

I use a Sabian AAX 16" El Sabor Picante Hand Crash in my setup. I love how it sounds, it's easy on the hands and also because a do a lot of stuff with brushes on cajon and drums. You can still get a really good crash when played with brushes or sticks. Thanks for the video!

[@yippiecahier9253]

Your cajon sounds so good... the bass is so deep and rich... and not mic-ed! Amazing.

[@tavramos]

I think this is the best video on this matter in KZbin! Thank you so much this is what I needed!

[@HeidiJoubert]

Thank you Gastro! More Cajon add on videos coming soon!

[@paulrockman2436]

Your lessons have been very helpful for me and my Cajon playing. You an excellent player and teacher!(and extremely easy on the eyes) ✌️💞+🎶

[@HeidiJoubert]

yes I have been doing some cowbell on a pedal, with congas on the left hand, right hand on the cajon and left fot on the hi hat pedal! It's great but requires co ordination which does take some time to get down. I just put up a vid of my cajon kit check it out

[@jimzongas3701]

Thank you. I love your lessons. I have a room of drums, but the Cajon is my fave. Play it my with my Djembe, Congas, Darbuka. Brought so much joy to my life to drum and you influenced me. God BLess!!!

[@HeidiJoubert]

Hey! No I do not always use the cymbal on the beat... but it probably like that the most like on the drum kit , with the kick bass. And i suppose you can play it on either the left or right, really won't matter, but makes sense to play on left if you play right hand lead as most times you emphasze the cymbals, it would naturally be on the beat, and helps to add the bass kick to it.... hence the left hand playing... But I will be looking into adding right hand playing too!

[@HeidiJoubert]

Hey Norman! The cajon I play in this video is the flamenco cajon. I do have a peruvian cajon but dont play it half as much. The main difference is that the peruvian cajon has no snares or guitar strings inside, so it has more of conga like sound than a snare drum.

[@limalamamadrid466]

nice one Heidi, I was thinking about just getting any old cheap one to start, but I will get a decent one and try a few in the shop before I get one now. Good advice. Generally I think your Cajon lessons are great, thanks very much

[@KPM642]

Thank you for this! I never knew the cymbal could be played with the hand; very cool!

[@HeidiJoubert]

Hola! Yes Hi hat is AWESOME! I recently got one and been playing cajon drum kit a bit to... I have just uploaded a video featuring the use of my new hi hat. It's a great thing to add! even if you just use it with your left foot

[@HeidiJoubert]

Hey!!! It feels GREAT to post up a new video, I have been itching to get it up, been extremely busy with producing and recording our first Fernando's Kitchen Debut Album, to be released on the 29th March, so was a little preoccupied!!! But I look forward to getting back to making cajon videos like mad for you guys!! :-) Great to see you appreciate my lessons!

[@bubbanderson]

Thanks Heidi, great advice on cymbals. I accidentally picked up a Sabian 16" crash for £12 on eBay to go with my newly purchased cajon. Gig in 2 weeks time .. wish me luck !

[@fernandoskitchen]

Nice one!!! Looking great!

[@sevadaj]

Hello Heidi, for my cajon set up I use a 20" Zildlian with rivets cymbal to give it that nice sizzle sound (I really love it) and a meinl 14" China Boy cymbal.

[@kerelosnabil6486]

Thank you and your channel for your lessons I have learned many things and tricks in the cajon and I'm very excited because the cajon box isn't well known in my country Egypt Keep teaching us Thanks and sorry because I'm not very good at English but I hope that you read this and thanks again :)

[@kshepard71]

If you give the cymbal a little room to flop around it is going to break less. I usually leave the top felt off for this reason. I will do this as long as it isn't going to be hitting the metal part of the stand. Just a thought, but yeah you should never break a cymbal with your bare hands. Love the videos!

[@Elzayaco]

Mil.Gracias Heidi ... Saludos desde Mexico

[@akatakkar]

Heidi, are you left or right handed? Can't wait for the cymbal instructional video. You rock. Thanks for all the vids and inspiration!

[@HeidiJoubert]

Right handed

[@Tigger8572]

Been looking at my first cymbal to go with my schlagwerk cajon, just heard a live demo of a sabian aax 18" hand crash. WOW!!! what a sound even from just 1 fingertip.

[@HeidiJoubert]

+lee matthews Yep again I LOVE Sabian!!! :-)

[@bladesaint21mr]

Excellant video! Exactly what I was looking for!

[@adedog]

Thank you, very usefull tips, I'll be testing a few cymbals out this week!

[@martysch4072]

Heidi would love an instructional video of how to play the pattern stating on the 15:27 mark and continuing the beat in the same style. Amazing Chops...Very cool BTW!

[@springblooms4536]

Hello Heidi, is it possible to fuse the eastern classical instrument tabla with your cajon? I have tried it once, and it was so amazing that it fascinated all the musicians , perhaps you now should give opportunity to youths to work with you in music ... And I just love your parallel music, I mean the way you sing and decorate it with beats .

[@MrCopiin]

sos muy talentosa! estoy aprendiendo a tocar el cajon flamenco siguiendo tus videos como inspiracion! :)

[@HeidiJoubert]

Hey John I believe that is the Sabian AAX 11'inch explosion splash... my favourite (cymbal num 2)

[@iangarforth]

Are Sabian rowing without their oars in the water? If I worked for Sabian, I would be posting a 10" splash to Heidi as fast as I possibly could. What an amazing role model/artist endorsement to snap up. Great work, Heidi - your videos are always informative and inspirational. Thank you!

[@Msgdos]

I use a 10" meinl byzance splash. I'm happy with it, but I think I might try the Sabian shown on this video. You're awesome!

[@frankpoperowitzmusic]

I just bought the Sabian AA X-Plosion based on your recommendation. Thanks!

[@HeidiJoubert]

😍

[@nanosalon]

Hi Heidi, how are you? First of all I apologize for my English ... I'm from Argentina, and I play the cajon, I was always aware of your videos and your advice. Now I want to incorporate cymbals to my percussion set, and I was wondering if you recommend the use of hi hat, or if you can give us some guidance on the subject ... I appreciate the help, your lessons are spectacular! besos!

[@tuomollo]

Heidi, try not to tighten your cymbals too much because they are more likely to break like that. Do you know that there is Paiste cymbal series dedicated for cajon players? It's called "Paiste PST8 Cajon".

[@QuynhNguyen-qv9xy]

Thank you Heidi, I I'm your fan :)

[@NearKella]

I just purchased the Sabian AAH 10" in Israel at a shop called "Marom", it's really good!

[@HeidiJoubert]

YES it is, I love Sabian!

[@dacosmicegg]

Sabian is the best one,there's no contest! I am a drummer (and I'm starting using a cajon also) and I use a 16" AAX studio crash, a signature Chad Smith 18,5" explosion crash,a Turkish moderate 20" ride,a 14" meinl classic custom hats,and a mein classic 10" splash. When I hear some live recording of my drums...the AAX studio is the one with the best sound of all!!!

[@HeidiJoubert]

Yay!! You agree with me! :-) I agree with you!

[@dacosmicegg]

Heidi Joubert ;)

[@samuelnewtonjr3198]

# 35. I love the symbols exactly the hi hat. Bless you and thank you Heidi. 05/15/2022 Sun 1::25 am EST. Sa'm The Drummer

[@HeidiJoubert]

Hey True believer (like the name :-) Are you sure it's the cymbal that makes your hands pain and not your actualy cajon playing? In my experience, I have experienced more pain due to hitting the cajon way too loud than hitting the cymbal, the cymbal only gets hit every now and then, the cajon gets slapped all the time! (well, if you play like I do) It's normal that for the first year or so to feel pain as one tends to get a bit excited and slap a bit too hard, that coupled with bad technique....

[@HeidiJoubert]

excellent! How you finding the 10 inch sabian?

[@jmom9958]

Thank you very much, Heidi. :)

[@bongomannn]

My first cymbal I used with the cajon was exactly the same - stagg. It had too much sustain and then it was too gongy, after the moment of the crash, especially when im on small places... I started hating it so badly, but then when I we started playing more often in bigger clubs, with bigger sound, I heard from aside (recording) that it sounds really cool with the music, and then somebody stole it ...

[@HeidiJoubert]

haha good story thanks for sharing

[@panosbarb]

Hi Heidi! I am learning cajon (Pearl) through your videos tutorials! Excellent job & helpful-keep on !! I just bought a Paiste 10 inch splash..it also works well. Does it make a difference in sound, if you fix it straight or inclined? Thanx!

[@Nnoormman94]

Hi Heidi, I have a doubt, the style of your "cajon" is Peruvian or flamenco? I have understood that the sound of both is similar but tends to be very different, and I like the sound of their own. Thanks in advance and greetings from mexico, I love your music :D

[@pastorscottmoore]

This is three years old now, Heidi. Have you found any new cymbal additions? Thanks ;-)

[@ManneckeyKhoeAob]

Hi, I'm from WIndhoek, Namibia. The first time I saw and hear the cajon was in Cape Town, Dec 2012. Was played by guy in Saudiq Khan's band. As a part time percussionist in our band, I made up my mind to buy one. Which brand would you recommend?

[@nathanalexander28]

damn she is badass. I love the cajon too, love it!!

[@sudutkamarnyep1845]

@heidi Hay! Nice to know you! I wanna ask you a question bout' cymbals. Do you prefer splash or crash for play cajon?

[@themosb]

thanks a lot for all those informations

[@DETROITBULLET]

Heidi I'm ready to tune my cajon have done this ? Are there some tips as to how its done thanks love

[@303octavian]

Oh my gods, Heidi! You're so charming! :)

[@jdrumz321ify]

love the playing and that cajon! what kind is it?

[@samuelhenryedwards]

Hi Heidi, great vid. What mic set-up do you use for your splash cymbal during gigs? Thanks

[@rbrtrecord1]

You should try the Sabian 16" AAX El Sabor Picante Hand Crash Cymbal!

[@nicolasgrangeonhandpanandd514]

Oh yeah

[@chocogeorge1951]

good to c a vid. where have u been

[@jmom9958]

Hi, Heidi. I've seen some cajon players beating cymbals with their right hand, instead of left, as you do. Do you always play the cymbal on beat? (I mean, beating the bass with your right and the cymbal with your left at once). Congratulations for your video-lessons.

[@pastorscottmoore]

ebay has some AAX 10". Just thought I'd let you know even if it is months later.

[@janknjazovic]

Hi Heidi! Have you ever tried to play some percussion instruments, while you were playing cajon, at the same time? Thnk you. Mladja

[@TrueBeliever616]

Hi great video thanks, i have been using a set off hats with my Cajon to add that brighter sound mite add a splash in when i have the cash. I was wondering what you do for your hands because mine get very sore, for gigs i have been putting plasters on my hands but i don't like having anything on my hands when i play because i feel very constricted. Any tips?

[@marcoleung7771]

can you use the drum stick to play the cymbals

[@HeidiJoubert]

+marco leung yes of course.. these cymbals are actually all made to play with drum sticks!

[@marcoleung7771]

Why you don't?

[@stewartkisku7122]

What would be the cheapest and best cymbal for cajon in india..?

[@adeppisch]

Have you tried any of the Meinl Candela Percussion Splashes?

[@heartogram1234]

Sabian has a Picante hand crash, there 16" and 18" so they're full sized crashes but they might be worth checking out.

[@bladesaint21mr]

Got my cajon, cymbal stand and went with a Sabian 10in crash 3 weeks ago.

[@mr.biswasmusic0725]

Love from India

[@SouthernAceCrafts]

How do I learn "when" to hit the symbol? I new to drumming and the cajon.

[@prajwalathanikar5721]

Heyyyy heidi which cymbal stand do you use while your Gigs and other performances

[@crisjansonpiers]

Great Vid A1

[@mann007007007]

Hiya Heidi the last 2 cymbals at the end which are placed together on a stand, the futhers away cymboal has more or a deeper splash sound to it, where can I get that one from I also play the cajon do reply thank you

[@davidsmith953]

0:50 Cool! where can I find you playing this song on youtube?

[@hawkrider88]

You'll do just fine with any cymbal that sounds good to your ears from Sabian, Zildjian,Crescent, Paiste, Bosphorus or Meinl. Best of all, there are a number of websites that will allow you to hear and buy that exact cymbal.

[@arneolson7114]

Always a pleasure to see the Queen of cajon ! As for splash cymbals I use Arborea knight 6,8,10...B20 alloy. I Also recently a Radian xl 8"B20 and a zildjian 10"zbt.....I mix up lots of Paiste chime cymbals as well...not the accent cymbals the older ones. The 11" 2002 splash [2] of them and 12" blue colorsound 5 and the 12" 505 splash . A black visions 8" also on the kit right now. Even my 13" 2002 crash fills a nice splash too. Just some cymbals for you to try my friend. I have yet to get a cajon. Although I am doing the hand drums now too as the big 747 rock sound can't be played every where.I'm a stacker I like many sounds off one stand....and my emotions are better displayed that way. Cheers love the video

[@HeidiJoubert]

You’re awesome thanks for this info!!!

[@theozefanya8323]

Hey Heidy, im from indonesia, i have a question, do you think meinl mcs 16 inch medium crash is suitable to be hit by hand? Do you have any suggestion beside using splash cymbals? Thx before

[@dennisreed3817]

I am trying to teach my 5 year old son to play the cajon. I have been using your videos. I am looking for a cymbal for him. Do you think the 11 inch Sabian X plosion cymbal would hurt his hand? Do you have anything else you think might work? Thanks, Dennis

[@HeidiJoubert]

+Dennis Reed Dennis there are some new cymbals on the market specially made for playing with the hand, they are very thin and has a very sensitive response so you don't need to sack it that hard, just google some 'hand' cymbals and you will find many, this might be a good option if you are concerned about your son hurting his hand with 'regular' drmkit cymbals designed for hitting with sticks!

[@Bossa4Sol]

Damn.. how does it feel to hit it with hand.. they are very hard...?

[@Badrinath755]

Hi Heidi. I always have one problem when I play. My fingers hurt really bad when I play. Is it because of lack of practice or am I hitting to hard. Please advice.

[@HeidiJoubert]

Hey it can be a mixture of both, when I first started I did play way too hard and I got blisters and pain, but I was tough and went through it, and eventually my skin got harder, and my technique better, now I play a lot softer too! I would say that if you regulalry play everyday for 30 min, that should get most of the pain out of you within a few weeks, just try to focus on playing softly! :-) Sometimes however paid in unavoidable, like the ballerinas who bleed on their toes when they learn to stand on their toes, so it will hurt a bit in the beginning when playing cajon. just try not to overdo your strokes!

[@X-tri.newbie]

isnt the 16inch stagg a a china cymbale ?

[@collenDsouza]

i think the website is down,,, shows database error

[@RhythmofSumit]

What about sabian b8 8inch splash for cajon?

[@Amrit-Ganga]

Hi Heidi.! Thank you for the vdo. Very informative....! Heidi I have a question. After I play the cajon(with the cymbals) for about an hour or two...my fingers really get hard. I play a number of other drums like tabla, darbuka, ganjira, etc. I find it difficult to play it. It takes me another few hours of practice on either of these drums to really get comfortable and to loosen my fingers and hand. Is there something wrong in my playing the cajon. Could you please advice me. Thank you.

[@dbarenjith]

Try to attach a thin rubber sheet (even mouse pad) in front of the Cajon for practice and immediately you will feel the difference, make sure don't fix anything permanently till you test it by playing the instrument on a studio and live :)

[@springblooms4536]

Mr. Nair,, I also use to play tabla, and modern bass drums too.. My problems was also same but I thought of a solution by my own, after you play eastern classical instruments let your hands take the rest of 5 minutes and all it needs is a practice to use cymbals, actually there is a science behind the use of cymbal if you grab that you can play it without even the force, I think Heidi is also in learning phase to use cymbals, Cymbals sounds finest if they are played like just touched .... And its all up to you to control your efforts to play cymbals,

[@Amrit-Ganga]

Spring Blooms Thank you very much that is a great eye opener for me. I usually play with a normal force. (occasionally hard also). But I do so cause I feel it makes a difference in the sound produced. But I have a few questions.....What do you do for fast numbers..i.e. when you have to play the cajon and the crash, splash, etc. Also I have found that when I play and have to bring in dynamics....I understood that I have to play hard. Could you please help me out on this. Thank you

[@springblooms4536]

harikesh nair I got your problem. To address it you should give it a try to some of my suggestions if you think they are probably. For playing dynamics, I mostly use to mimic the sound of the instruments using the common materials like in case of cajon, I while practicing and making absolute compositions use the exam clipboards because they can mimic the sound of bass drum and snare. My suggestion is psychedelic but it actually works, after going through these common instruments you find the real instruments. Sometimes people assume me goofy when i use to do so. Always be patient, music seeks meditation, not the dissatisfaction and hustle.

[@HeidiJoubert]

well yes I used to.... I suppose it was a mixture of bad technique, bad cymbals and playing loudly on the street.

[@rockyburns9651]

Do you accept students?

[@RudoMandelik_MyCreativeWorld]

Do you sale cajons in Europe?

[@kathyomalley3753]

hi Heidi I have a 10 inch sabian aa... its great.....

[@HeidiJoubert]

Yes it is

[@janknjazovic]

cool! tnx for reply! :)

[@RasvetDushi]

Heidi Joubert hi! please tell me what size is the diameter SABIAN AAX? and yet the full name)))

[@HeidiJoubert]

AAX - XPLOSION SPLASH 11 inches from Sabian.

[@RasvetDushi]

Thank you! I am from Russia Moscow, poorly know English))) enjoy watching your videos)))

[@АлександрТур-я7м]

I think I fell in love

[@empireravenshadow5]

You're so pretty :o

[@friarrodneyburnap4336]

I bet you would make a great Washboard Player ...

[@danbdrums]

You break cymbals hitting them with your hand?!

[@yangoo88]

danbdrums haha yeah, that's ridiculous, it's clearly because she's tightening them down too much. Cymbals are supposed to be able to float freely after you hit them

[@ironweaselsbest]

am I the only one that says Cajon as like Louisiana Cajon or (Kay-jin)?

[@prometheus23c]

I hope so

[@timlim1079]

Non-musicians at 5:41 be like; " What's the difference? I don't hear a difference. There's no difference"

[@mrmonsterman3291]

Wow, that could hurt my hand if I hit it a cymbal with a hand, why did you use your hand to hit the cymbal, not a good idea to hit the cymbal with your hand.

[@HeidiJoubert]

:-) It's tough being a percussionist! hehe. At first it did hurt but if you get the right technique and know where to hit the cymbal it doesn't hurt.. and also there are some cymbals made specially for hand playing, and it is much less aggressive! :-)

[@sfisher7482]

ON TOP OF BEING A GREAT PLAYER,AND THE SEXY WAY YOU PLAY! I could listen to you play all day,and you are very pretty..this video is helpful

[@attilavarkonyi7066]

[@TheShamandrums]

i love you

[@knjecenje]

All cymbals (can) break..!

[@HeidiJoubert]

Most things can break…. yes!

[@RudoMandelik_MyCreativeWorld]

Hey Heidi,, where is your smile?

[@HeidiJoubert]

:-) here!

[@ricardoalfenas]

Great response!

[@empirevanbotranje5620]

hahHahahahahHahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha

[@sLuRGiNaToR]

marry me please, ok?

[@arneolson7114]

I think there is a line buddy....

[@Lehmann108]

cheap cymbals break and their overtones are dissonant.

[@Nahulanham]

Do you play Djembe or Dumbek?

[@HeidiJoubert]

+Nahulanham Play a bit of Djembe yep

[@Nahulanham]

Thank you for your great videos. They are very helpful. I play djembe and other instruments during jam sessions in drum circles. Do you plan any video's on djembe solo's using African rhythms?

[@HeidiJoubert]

ha! Perhaps, would you like me to? :-) Never thought of it yet… might be a good idea!

[@Nahulanham]

Definitely. I think you're an excellent teacher. It would be neat to have someone come up with solo's for kono, kuku, jankedy, humbadi, etc.

[@Nahulanham]

Oh, yes, I meant to tell - you're original music is fantastic and your group jamming. You should try out for America's got Talent or American Idol. I bet you'd win. Plus, you're absolutely beautiful..