Who designed the snare system for the Soleá Line?

The snare system was designed in the style of master cajon builder José 'Pepote' Hernández Diaz. His hand-winding techniques are applied to the micro-coiled strings used inside the instrument.

How many strings are inside the Meinl Artisan Soleá Cajon?

There are a total of eight micro-coiled strings. They are arranged in two distinct groupings of four strings each.

Do the strings on the Soleá Line require manual tuning?

No, the strings are pre-tuned. They are hand-wound and set to a specific tension during the manufacturing process to ensure a consistent sound.

What is the finish of the frontplate on this specific model?

This model features an Espresso Burst frontplate. This gives the instrument a dark, gradient aesthetic compared to natural wood finishes.

Where are Meinl Artisan Edition cajons manufactured?

Meinl Artisan Edition cajons, including the Soleá Line, are handcrafted in Spain. This region is traditionally associated with the development of high-quality flamenco-style cajons.

What is the typical price range for this instrument?

The typical price for the Meinl Artisan Edition Soleá Line Espresso Burst is approximately £305. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.

What type of strings are used in this cajon?

The instrument uses micro-coiled strings. These are specialized strings designed to provide a sensitive snare effect that is more refined than standard guitar strings.

Is this cajon suitable for professional use?

Yes, the Artisan Edition is Meinl's professional line. It is built with higher-grade materials and more complex internal snare systems than their entry-level series.

What is the primary sound characteristic of the Soleá Line?

It is known for a clear, crisp snare response and a rich bass fundamental. The design focuses on providing distinct tonal separation between the different areas of the frontplate.

How does the Soleá Line differ from basic Meinl cajons?

Unlike basic models that may use simple wires, the Soleá Line uses hand-wound micro-coiled strings influenced by Pepote's designs. It also features superior craftsmanship and materials.

Can I use brushes on the Espresso Burst frontplate?

Yes, like most professional wood-frontplate cajons, it can be played with hands or specialized cajon brushes. The sensitive snare strings respond well to light brush work.

What other Meinl accessories are often used with this?

Percussionists often pair this cajon with Meinl Small Plastic Egg Maracas or Spin Spark Shakers to add rhythmic layers. These accessories complement the hand-percussion setup.

Gear article

Meinl Artisan Edition Soleá Line Cajon (Espresso Burst)

The Meinl Artisan Edition Soleá Line Cajon is a professional-grade hand percussion instrument featuring an Espresso Burst frontplate. It is distinguished by its unique snare system, developed in collaboration with master builder José 'Pepote' Hernández Diaz, utilizing two groupings of four pre-tuned micro-coiled strings.

See live prices

Overview and Design

The Meinl Artisan Edition Soleá Line represents the premium tier of Meinl's percussion catalogue. Handcrafted in Spain, these instruments are designed to meet the rigorous demands of professional percussionists. The Espresso Burst frontplate provides a distinctive visual aesthetic, while the internal architecture focuses on precision and sensitivity.

At the heart of the Soleá line is the snare mechanism, which utilizes two sets of four micro-coiled strings. These strings are hand-wound and pre-tuned, ensuring a consistent response across the entire playing surface without the need for frequent user adjustment.

Construction and Key Features

The construction follows the traditional methods established by renowned cajon builder José 'Pepote' Hernández Diaz. Key features include:

Micro-Coiled Strings: Eight strings total, arranged in two groupings, providing a crisp snare response.
Pre-tuned System: The internal strings are set to a specific tension to ensure optimal 'sizzle' without unwanted buzz.
Ergonomic Frontplate: The Espresso Burst playing surface is designed for comfort and varied tonal expression.
Artisan Craftsmanship: Each unit is built with attention to detail regarding joints and resonance.

Sound Profile

The Soleá Line is characterised by its clear separation between bass and snare tones. The micro-coiled strings produce a sensitive, high-frequency 'snap' when the edges are struck, while the body provides a warm, fundamental bass note when played towards the centre. The specific winding style of the strings helps to minimise metallic overtones, resulting in a balanced, woody character suitable for both live performance and studio recording.

Market Position and Alternatives

Priced at approximately £305, the Soleá Line sits in the high-end market for hand percussion. It is intended for serious students and professional players who require more nuance than entry-level models offer.

While Meinl offers a broad range of percussion including the Plastic Egg Maracas and various Spin Spark Shakers, the Artisan Edition cajons are dedicated solo and ensemble instruments. Players seeking different tonal textures might also consider orchestral percussion like the Sonor NG31 Glockenspiel or specialised rhythmic tools like the Stagg Rock Cowbell, depending on the musical context.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

Who designed the snare system for the Soleá Line?: The snare system was designed in the style of master cajon builder José 'Pepote' Hernández Diaz. His hand-winding techniques are applied to the micro-coiled strings used inside the instrument.
How many strings are inside the Meinl Artisan Soleá Cajon?: There are a total of eight micro-coiled strings. They are arranged in two distinct groupings of four strings each.
Do the strings on the Soleá Line require manual tuning?: No, the strings are pre-tuned. They are hand-wound and set to a specific tension during the manufacturing process to ensure a consistent sound.
What is the finish of the frontplate on this specific model?: This model features an Espresso Burst frontplate. This gives the instrument a dark, gradient aesthetic compared to natural wood finishes.
Where are Meinl Artisan Edition cajons manufactured?: Meinl Artisan Edition cajons, including the Soleá Line, are handcrafted in Spain. This region is traditionally associated with the development of high-quality flamenco-style cajons.
What is the typical price range for this instrument?: The typical price for the Meinl Artisan Edition Soleá Line Espresso Burst is approximately £305. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.
What type of strings are used in this cajon?: The instrument uses micro-coiled strings. These are specialized strings designed to provide a sensitive snare effect that is more refined than standard guitar strings.
Is this cajon suitable for professional use?: Yes, the Artisan Edition is Meinl's professional line. It is built with higher-grade materials and more complex internal snare systems than their entry-level series.
What is the primary sound characteristic of the Soleá Line?: It is known for a clear, crisp snare response and a rich bass fundamental. The design focuses on providing distinct tonal separation between the different areas of the frontplate.
How does the Soleá Line differ from basic Meinl cajons?: Unlike basic models that may use simple wires, the Soleá Line uses hand-wound micro-coiled strings influenced by Pepote's designs. It also features superior craftsmanship and materials.
Can I use brushes on the Espresso Burst frontplate?: Yes, like most professional wood-frontplate cajons, it can be played with hands or specialized cajon brushes. The sensitive snare strings respond well to light brush work.
What other Meinl accessories are often used with this?: Percussionists often pair this cajon with Meinl Small Plastic Egg Maracas or Spin Spark Shakers to add rhythmic layers. These accessories complement the hand-percussion setup.