Schlagwerk Agile Pro And X One Cajons

108
| DECEMBER 2015 WWW.MUSICRADAR.COM/RHYTHM
GEAR REVIEW
S
ince producing their fi rst Cajon
nearly 30 years ago in 1986, these
German percussion makers have
been at the forefront of the
development and increased popularity of
the instrument over the years. This month,
Rhythm takes a look at the brand new
entry-level X-One along with its pro-level
sibling from the Agile range.
Build
Taking artwork out of the equation for a
moment, one could be forgiven for thinking
that the two boxes are in fact identical. Both
measure in at 30cm x 30cm x 50cm, feature
an eight-ply birch construction and are
fi nished in a smooth, natural satin with
rounded top edges. Both also sport a 12cm
port hole on the rear, a non-slip sitting
surface and engraved Schlagwerk logos on
each side.
To increase snare sensitivity, the top third
of both playing surfaces have been secured
with small screws while the bottom is glued in
place. This also makes it possible to further
adjust the tonal response by experimenting
with the screw tension, although Schlagwerk
recommends they stay in factory position.
So what sets the two apart, I hear you ask?
Well, the obvious difference is the design of
the frontplate or ‘tapa’. The X-One is available
in three printed designs – these are named
Fingerprint (as review), Styles and Illusion.
The Agile Pro is available in Cappuccino (as
review) and Zebra. The Agile Pro also features
a third logo positioned at the bottom right of
the frontplate. Unlike the birch resonance
box, the X-One uses beech for its playing
From £79.99 Brand new German-made cajons from Schlagwerk
should meet the needs of beginner and pro level alike
SCHLAGWERK
AGILE PRO AND
X-ONE CAJONS
WORDS: TOM BRADLEY
surface while the Agile Pro remains a
mystery, being described simply as
‘cappuccino design veneer’.
The most noteworthy contrast though,
lies within the internal snare set-up. The
X-One employs a rudimentary snare
system, using two short (11cm) 20-strand
vertical snare wires secured at the top of
the resonance box at a 45° angle, ensuring
a tight contact against the back of the
playing surface. The Agile Pro however,
incorporates its own slightly more hi-tech
solution. The aptly named ‘Agile String
Technology’ features horizontal strings
which can be tightened toward or loosened
away from the tapa using a control at either
end. A central knob is then used to adjust
the tension of the strings and thusly, manage
snare dampening.
Hands On
With both cajons out of the box and ready to
go, the X-One is the fi rst to be put to the test.
With a small thump to the centre of the
playing surface, a rich bass note is produced
with a satisfying length of decay. A fi rm slap
to the edge coaxes the snare wires into
action, delivering a well-balanced woody
note, accompanied by a tight snare
response. As a predominant kit player, the
instant appeal with this cajon for me is the
convincing kick and snare-type sounds that
emanate from it. Helped on the most part
by the unexpectedly thunderous low-end
response which is barely (if at all) affected by
the tiny snare wires. They appear to know
just when to jump in and assist a top-end
slap but stay dormant whilst playing further
THE SNARE WIRES APPEAR TO KNOW
JUST WHEN TO JUMP IN AND ASSIST A
TOP-END SLAP BUT STAY DORMANT
WHILST PLAYING FURTHER DOWN
X-ONE CAJON
Cajon has two 11cm-long,
20-strand vertical snare
wires secured at the top of
the box at a 45° angle
down. There is though, some middle ground
available when playing around a quarter to a
third of the way down the playing surface.
In regard to the fi nish, it’s probably fair to
say that the Fingerprint design is fairly cool
but nothing to write home about. To be frank,
I assumed it was some kind of animal print
before realising that it was supposed to be a
fi ngerprint. The Cappuccino fi nish of the Agile
Pro however, is a lot easier on the eye. A
luxurious design which gives the instrument a
Also try…
1
TYCOON
CRA TE CAJON
We say: “ This is a good
sounding cajon which
has plenty of body
and feels good to
perform with. ”
2
PP PP142
We say: “ This superb
value cajon fi lls a
much-needed space in a
market which is
abundant with
mid-price and
mouthwatering
high-end ‘Boutique’
instruments. ”
RHY249.gear_schlagwerk.indd 108 27/10/2015 10:27