Using a Pedal with the Cajon - Meinl Direct Drive Cajon Pedal I Unboxing, Play-test & Review

Attending requests, today I’m reviewing the Meinl Direct Drive Cajon Pedal - TMSTCP.
This can be a great option if you are looking to add a Pedal in your cajon kit.
☞ Time stamps
1:07 Unboxing & Specs
3:11 Sound Test
5:12 Review
To buy this Pedal, please use the link below
Amazon - geni.us/z3PKJ
Sweetwater US - imp.i114863.net/ORNPeA
Thomann EU - thmn.to/thoprod/401978?offid=...
☞ FREE - CAJON STARTER CRASH COURSE tinyurl.com/wzz9m65
☞ FREE Tools Area cajonmaster.com/freearea/
♫ CAJONMASTER COURSES ♪ cajonmaster.com/all-courses/
CajonMaster on INSTAGRAM & FACEBOOK
/ cajon.master
/ cajonmasterofficial
★ Cajon I play in this video:
Meinl Artisan Buleria Line - geni.us/zKyHFo
Thomann EU - thmn.to/thoprod/429864?partne...
★ My Cajon & Percussion Recommendations ★
Most Versatile Cajon: Artisan Cantina Line - geni.us/ylgxk
The Best Cajon: Artisan Martinete Line - geni.us/lWsK
Best Budget Cajon: Meinl Snare Craft - geni.us/L2epeW
Aluminium Shaker - geni.us/7aCu6p
Luis Conte Medium Shaker - geni.us/l34n
Luis Conte Soft Shaker - geni.us/CyJhXbI
Siam Oak Pandeiro - geni.us/oekSz
Mini Djembe - geni.us/ZpAc8Oq
Mini Cajon Heart Ash - geni.us/IbQAc​
Wood Güiro - geni.us/eDdxsT
Cajon Backpack Pro - geni.us/56sT
Deluxe Cajon Bag - geni.us/hFx0U
DISCLAIMER: This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and then buy something, I’ll receive a small commission. This helps support the channel and allows us to continue to make videos like this. Thank you for the support!
#cajonpedalreview #meinlpercussion #cajonresources

[@balintlaszlo6642]

Nice presentation! I have a pedal just like the one shown in the video and the problem I encounter with it is the fact that it slips very often, even if I fix it with its screws. Another very important aspect that those who want to buy it should pay attention to, is that the surface on which the pedal is placed should be straight, if it is not straight, the middle part will remain in the air, and whenever you press the pedal, the whole system will move!

[@jerrywalker6043]

Direct drive is the ONLY way to go if you want to use a pedal on your cajon. If you're serious about using a pedal the best choice is the DW DWCP5000CJDL Direct Linkage Cajon Pedal. I'm not a big DW guy but they have the best direct drive cajon pedal and it's not even close. It's considerably more expensive, but like I said, "If you're serious" this is the pedal you should get. I won't go over the features because you can copy paste the name I posted. What I will say is this pedal feels exactly like a quality bass drum pedal, it's quick and easy to set up, it's simple to adjust and the attachment system WILL NOT damage your expensive cajon in any way. I've been gigging with this pedal for over a year playing "variety" style music and works the same today as the day I bought it and my cajon doesn't show a single sign of wear where it attaches or where the beater strikes. I can't even imagine playing without it now. On a side note: If you want a more resonate sound from your new cajon pedal, don't burry the beater. Think of it like your hand hitting the bass note. You don't hit the bass note and leave your hand on the tapa, right? That would muffle the sound. So, don't do it with the beater either.

[@CajonMaster]

Hi Jerry! I'm going to try the DW when can. I hear good things about it. Thanks for the tip about the beater. I use it like a bass drum pedal and the beater rest in the tapaI producing a kick drum sound. I will try the way you advise and let you know how it goes :) thanks again!

[@danielhlynianchuk8235]

Really good video, thanks for posting it! You are the reason I went ahead and bought this product, also turned out that your video is the closest thing to show how it's getting assembled.

[@CajonMaster]

Happy to hear that it was helpful for you 😉🙏cheers

[@daveargall3454]

Great video that will help a lot of people with choice of pedals and what's involved in their use. I have a De Gregario cajon that came fitted with a bass side panel fitted on the right side of the cajon that uses a more traditional style foot plate connected by rods to the beater which is secured onto a section of plywood that sits under the side of the cajon fitting the two feet of the cajon. The sound is slightly higher than the bass tone produced by hand and when I use the pedal it's either to accompany other instruments such as guitar, sometimes as a second bass which can be played simultaneously with a hand bass to change the sound or as the main bass with sticks or brushes (though my foot techniques need more working on!) I have had problems with the mechanisms making unwanted 'clicking' sounds but it seems ok at the moment. I find that having a pedal does open up a lot more possibilities but that in itself can make life more complicated for me and if I'm not careful I can get too diverse and lose solidity and focus! I'll send an example of me using the pedal with hand drums and a couple of photos of the pedal on FB. Thanks for all of your tutorials Felipe.

[@scottmacgregor4622]

That was a great demonstration, Felipe. I'm thinking about adding a cajon to play with my cymbals and after seeing your video, I definitely will need that pedal, too. :)

[@CajonMaster]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sideoutside]

Ive tried them all. Only one that works well is the DW direct drive pedal. And it costs the most of course as well, but sometimes you get what you pay for. I got mine used for $180, so can't complain too much.

[@marcopoon8433]

I've been thinking of buy this pedal for 2 months, watching different videos and did some research. Now I watched your video and order it right a way :)

[@CajonMaster]

Good to know that it inspired and helped you to choose this pedal. Let me know how it goes. Hope you like it 😉🙏

[@iamTurkeyBird]

I have this exact pedal! I love it. I don’t always use it, but it frees up hands for shakers and what not. It’s easier than lugging around a full drum kit. And it goes well with a few acoustic guitars.

[@CajonMaster]

Yes Charlie! thanks for your comment. It's good to have a pedal as you said in case you need for a gig or recording, cheers!

[@CoultonShaw]

very grateful for all your cajon advice! would be lost without it!

[@CajonMaster]

Glad it was helpful. Thanks 🙏

[@pashtmt6727]

Thanks for the video, at last ive understood the way these pedals work

[@CajonMaster]

Glad it helped!

[@zacharygoughler1543]

This was such a helpful video, thank you so much!

[@CajonMaster]

Glad it was helpful!

[@paulrenevos]

I had one, it worked great! Loved it

[@CajonMaster]

Great to hear! thanks Paul ;)

[@joelmartinez1504]

Thank you for the review. I use this one and find that it is the best. After about 2 years, I had the lever screw (at the fulcrum point) break on a gig, so the pedal was unusable for the rest of the show. I now keep a few spares in my stick bag.

[@CajonMaster]

Glad you like the video Joel. Thanks for sharing this, I will have a look and keep my eye on it

[@mrlawilliamsukwarmachine4904]

Now you can do like BB King when the guitar string broke!

[@denisbeauregard]

Sounds great and always cool shoes on!

[@CajonMaster]

Thanks Denis 😀🙏😉

[@jbw5923]

That certainly would help with having the correct posture. It would also probably make it easier for a kit drummer to transition to the cajon. Great video

[@CajonMaster]

Agree with you. Thanks again my friend

[@babaceeloe]

This pedal is the best one!! Thank you hermano!!!

[@CajonMaster]

Thanks Cecilio! 🙏😉

[@arnoldoherrada5912]

Gracias!! Esperaba este video para hacer la compra... Saludos felipe.

[@CajonMaster]

Glad to help 😉👍🏻

[@MTBThrumyeyez]

Just ordered the pedal based on your video

[@CajonMaster]

cool! enjoy the pedal ;)

[@bi-bi]

Hello Felipe, thank you very much for following my question about a Cajon pedal in the forum. The video is once again great (just like your courses by the way, I'm constantly learning and it's a lot of fun), and the sound of the pedal also sounds good. I wonder how much effort it takes to attach and detach the pedal. Have you had any experience here? I think once it is attached and aligned, it probably goes quite quickly. One thing I must say here: The shoes are cool :) I look forward to the next videos with the pedal! Greetings, CC

[@CajonMaster]

Thanks for your words Chris! Really appreciate that 🙏 it’s not a problem to attach it. Once you have the base fixed you can put or remove the pedal quickly and the base can stay always attached if you like. This won’t be a issue. More videos with the pedal coming soon. About the shoes…Yes, I’m a bit sneakerhead!😀This one is very cool actually 😎 Thanks again 🙏

[@pedrorodriguez319]

Thank you for your input

[@CajonMaster]

Glad you like Pedro 👍🏻🙏

[@01taira]

When listening through speakers, especially when you are the player, I like the cajon's bass tone better than any kick drums. It is ideally crisp and deep at the same time.

[@CajonMaster]

Good point! thanks for your comment

[@HoracioMancilla]

Thanks for the valuable information Felipe. I was wondering is this kind of pedal is a good option. Do you think it allows you to play bass at the same time with your hands or it’s better to use it to free your hands and play other instruments additional to the cajon itself? It would be great to see a video of more rhythmic possibilities this pedal gives you. Cheers!

[@CajonMaster]

Hi Horacio. I will post a video with kit options with the pedal, hope it will be helpful for you. Also planning some groove tutorial with the pedal ;) thanks again

[@gabescott3682]

Care to explain why the beater holder is upside down before 5:51 and then changes to its correct position after???

[@totalrobot]

Excellent information! You have a new subscriber! Do you think these Direct Drive Pedals will fit a Meinl subwoofer cajon? Not sure what the extension limit is in inches for the bottom plate attachment.

[@CajonMaster]

Thanks for the sub! I'm sure it will fit, your can adjust according to the size of the cajon ;)

[@montxsuz]

Nice demo, not many around. I am wondering if you have tried the double version of this pedal and if so, what you thought. I could see your second foot tapping in this video. :)

[@CajonMaster]

Never tried it. I rather prefer a hihat in the left foot 😉 cheers

[@DesAntilles]

It can be very handy for a one-person band, like Abner Jay did (with a bass drum and hihat instead of a cajòn, though) years ago.

[@CajonMaster]

Exactly! ;)

[@wer4te95]

Amazing video... Do you have any more types of pedal for Cajons? Thank you for this inspirative video! :)

[@CajonMaster]

There are other types of course. this is the direct drive model, there is also the one with a cable. I will make a video of the cable one as well ;) thanks for your words 🙏

[@wer4te95]

@@CajonMaster you are welcome sir! i watched any type of this video, where one guy using big drum pedal for classic druming set (excuse me i dont know how call is classic big drum) yeah i remember i mean pedal for kick drum :)

[@AlvaroLopez1]

Beware: this is only okay if you’re of average height. For people with longer legs it will keep slipping. I ordered one after watching this review but had to send it back after one very tough gig with it

[@CajonMaster]

Thanks for sharing this here Alvaro. I will mention that in the next review. I'm sorry about your gig.

[@Cavesters_Cave]

How Tall are you?

[@AtypicalIC]

I have this as part of the drum kit they make… but I never considered playing it without the cajon snare drum and hi hat. Do you like the sound of the beater vs your hand with the bass hits??

[@lucianolumusic]

I have been using this pedal for a couple of years and it does feel great when it’s working as new! Problem is it did not last long for me before it started getting loose, screws loosing threads etc, and now it mostly gives me headaches in gigs as it tends to get wobbly when things heat up in a gig… I have not found were one can get parts for it (little pieces that break, screws snd all…). So now I am saving up to invest on something more durable, like someone in the comments said, you get what you pay for…

[@CajonMaster]

Hi Luciano, thanks for sharing your experience with the pedal. I will test it more for gigs and will let you know how it goes for me, cheers!

[@LeLabs]

I'm using it since 4 years maybe..... problems with bolts and washers.... yes. But i went to Car parts store... yes a Car parts store and find all the the little pieces i need to repair the pedal. Car parts are easier to find and more resistant parts.

[@lucianolumusic]

@@LeLabs thanks for the tip! That’s a great idea! I was wondering were I could find stronger parts for it!!

[@CajonMaster]

Did you use a Cajon pedal before? Leave a comment below with your experience with that pedals, cheers!

[@davecipullo3096]

Sounds great! Make playing the Cajon more interesting! Buy the way, which Cajon model do you play on the videos? Dave

[@CajonMaster]

Hi 👋 this is Meinl Artisan Buleria line

[@davecipullo3096]

@@CajonMaster You can def hear the snares. 👍 TY Dave

[@AlvaroLopez1]

Moito Obrigado Felipe! Just ordered one after my cable snapped at a gig last night. Luckily it happened during the last song!! Thank you for your wonderful work with this channel. Greetings from London! Please give Marcos a hug from me 🫂

[@giselealff5902]

Oi, Felipe! Video show! Queria saber se essa parte preta que segura o pirulito consegue deslizar mais pra direita ou pra esquerda? Eu tentei usar a chavinha que vem nele, mas não consegui mover nada no buraquinho, tive medo de forçar e quebrar algo.. você saberia responder? Obrigada! 🥰☺️

[@CajonMaster]

Sim pode regular o braço do pirulito para os dois lados 👍🏻

[@timpanism]

Hi there! Thank you for this video. Just wondering if anybody have the same issue as me? I have a clicking sound coming from the hardware when I step on the direct drive pedal. Does anyone have the same issue as me?

[@rocketsroc]

Have you tried the Ortega Hands Free Cajon Pedal or Meinl Direct Drive Heel Activated Pedal? Just wondered how they compare to the Meinl you reviewed? Also, there are some reviews saying there have been some issues with the Meinl's strap that connects to the Cajon. Your thoughts?

[@CajonMaster]

Heard good things about it. I should try this one as well, cheers

[@td4068]

Hello Felipe! One question, hopefully you can answer it. 😅 When i attach the base element tothe cajon, can i also attach a regular pedal beater to the cajon and use it like a basedrum or does it only work with that direct beater?

[@CajonMaster]

Hi, it works with a single bass drum pedal as well.

[@td4068]

@@CajonMaster thank you very much!

[@user-fo8ck1ld6d]

i need 2 pedals...Bass and treble..you have?

[@mastershake1187]

Would lowering the mallet to be further from the beads help distinguish the " kick" sound from the " snare" ? Hesitant on any type of cajon pedal because it seems like there might be a lack of tone control. But I'd love to be able to use a high at the same time

[@ericcsakany8994]

My first thought. It isn't hitting the kick portion of the cajon

[@agelaonsoikea]

The pedal would help my playing because I used to play drumkits with pedal. I suck with my bass hand on cajon.

[@mathieucrochemore2127]

Hello Felipe. Thank you for your videos. I am mostly a drummer. I want to make a cocktail cajon kit to play in small places pop music. I want to play with a pedal to have the same feelings as on a classic drum. So i am looking for a cajon that has the best kick song for this kind of music with a pedal (si with bass). I also would like to have a snare sound both on the cajon or on a classic snare I will put next to me. know you tried hundred of cajon 😉. What would be your recommandation please ? Thanks

[@CajonMaster]

Any good cajon would work for you. If you want more bass try the Meinl cantina line, very nice cajon.

[@artmiranda8085]

Would be good for a cajon that does not have wire snare or one with option to disengage the wire snare.

[@CajonMaster]

Yes, there is a cajon by Meinl that has the function of snare on and off. Snarecraft PRO - kzbin.info/www/bejne/bp2ldoeuhpp1o6s

[@MarkSchiele]

I bought the pedal for my Meinl Bass Cajon. The base plate of the pedal lifts the cajon off the floor making it unstable. Guess I have to get taller rubber feet? Any other suggestions would be appreciated.

[@330pavelin]

I'm also looking for taller tubber feet

[@yellowquantum4240]

Looks flimsy , just had a small 14" bass drum floor Tom, with a real pedal . Then bring small splash cymbals in...I love ❤️ it . Simple and it works.

[@CajonMaster]

Very cool!

[@jaivkoltun4948]

Ok. It def works. Depends what style you into. . . The kik here (and kinda in general) just doesn't sound deep enuf & isolated for me (plus I don't like the snare spill you often/usually get and the honky tone). . . The way I do it is to use a stomp box as my kik drum. Then I have total kik isolation and tone control, and more skope to do cool stuff on the cajon with my hands . . Easy. . . Of course my set up only works with a P.A. but I don't usually busk. . .

[@CajonMaster]

Nice option! I like the stomp box ;)

[@abednegohamonangan]

Sir, it still compatible with trapesium cajon? Big thanks for answer

[@CajonMaster]

it is compatible to any conventional shape cajon. It must have a flat base to adapt the metal base.

[@tonystonecoldcountry7064]

Hello, the beater is too high and gives a snare like sound rather than a deep bass. Up to what size cajon can fit in base plate?

[@CajonMaster]

It fits all sizes, you can regulate according to the cajon you have.

[@rdavis7925]

Sounds good, but when I got my pedal yesterday, the obvious problem is that it moves opposite to the way I'd want: when I press down, the beater comes off the drum, when I release, it beats. How do I fix this??

[@CajonMaster]

It comes with a key to adjust the parts of the pedal.

[@Artesaao]

GENTE O SOM DO BUMBO FICA NA PARTE MAIS BAIXA DO CAJON / PQ ?? ACIMA DE 20 CENTÍMETROS O SOM FICA VIBRANDO

[@user-nf7oz7eb1o]

Fantastic donde se puede conseguir si hay un link?

[@CajonMaster]

link in description ;)

[@user-nf7oz7eb1o]

@@CajonMaster Gracias no lo habia visto....👍

[@WilfredV]

thks!

[@simonwittingslow5053]

Hi do you know if this pedal can be set up for use with your left foot?

[@CajonMaster]

Hi Simon, I would suggest this one meinlpercussion.com/en/products/tmcp-m6833.html

[@TheFoldMusic]

This pedal is driving me insane, there is a screw on the underside (basically right under where my right heel makes contact) that comes loose after a few songs, and it makes it IMPOSSIBLE to use. Short of fusing the entire thing in place with a blow torch, I'm gonna have to go another route.

[@CajonMaster]

Oh sorry to hear that. Maybe with a normal bass drum pedal and a cable will work for you. Let me know what do you need and i can help you ;)

[@bateramusico8801]

Faltou dizer onde adquirir, em especial, no brasil

[@CajonMaster]

Qualquer loja que tenha Meinl percussion. Onde vc mora?

[@anteknezovic6924]

Hello Felipe! Great video again! I think that maybe pedal is little unnecessary because cajon is specific instrument because off hands and all beats that you can do with your hands, with pedal we maybe lost that charm :) But it's worth a try new things :)

[@CajonMaster]

Thanks for your comment. Good point! I use sometimes depending of the musical situation I'm in. But It can loose the charm as you said :)

[@frankthedrummer7482]

This has a designing flaw. The baseplate broke in the part the pedal is attached

[@radocabinak1820]

Does it work for the left? well thank you

[@CajonMaster]

Good question! I will check that ;)

[@benjaminpongos9666]

where did get your pedal? how much is that? Thanks

[@CajonMaster]

Hi Benjamin, the link is in the description ;)

[@nat.k905]

Hi I want to start playing cajon which you like?

[@CajonMaster]

Hi! Great to know! visit cajonmaster.com and check out all the courses available ;) cheers!

[@nat.k905]

@@CajonMaster thanks

[@paulpuljic6025]

Kind of unique as it's an arm, not a pedal...so as not to smack hard on the cajon...looking to get one of these...

[@CajonMaster]

It's a cool one Paul, hope you like when you get it ;)

[@michaelwillcutt2619]

Why not have different peddles hitting different sound effects

[@Kavish_27]

Hey man!..i have been playing cajòn seeing videos in KZbin and doing improv on songs but i won't to learn this instrument with a fixed course or maybe even a teacher ..I'd be really happy if you can help me ..ty:D

[@CajonMaster]

Go to cajonmaster.com, there you will find all you need ;)

[@jaim3martin3z12]

Veo quie la respuesta es mejor que las de cables en otras marcas.

[@CajonMaster]

Yes, I think the same ;)

[@catdaddy7982]

Wtf. Mine won't even set up. I'm so pissed.

[@LucasFoureaux]

Are you Brazilian?! 👀

[@CajonMaster]

yes, I am :)

[@LucasFoureaux]

Inacreditável! Quanto carisma e roteiro incrível! Parabéns pelo trabalho amigo! Esclarecedor e me inspirou a montar um setup de "percuteria".

[@valteraugusto6617]

Bacana seu "accent" maninho!Concordo contigo:o pedal da Gibraltar é uma bosta!O da Meinl é fácil de achar no Brasil?

[@CajonMaster]

Valeu Valter, um abraço!

[@davirml]

you're brazilian?

[@CajonMaster]

Yes! 😉🇧🇷

[@danbywinston]

nothing but hassle with mine.....alaways a slight delay and a pain in the ass!

[@CajonMaster]

did you have a bad experience with this model?

[@danbywinston]

@@CajonMaster no. mie was cable, first one snapped, so got a stouter cable, maybe it just wasn't for me!

[@CajonMaster]

@@danbywinston I've got the same problem with cable pedals. this one is direct drive, have a look ;)

[@winmusique9309]

I don’t recommend this pedal 😅. This is not so good. I end up not using it. It’s only the brand that its holding its reputation 😂

[@johnhubble5373]

⛔️ An Example with Music would be nice ⚠️

[@EdLaughs]

Nope