I want to talk about ergonomics a little bit because I think that a lot of people, and that includes most drum makers, are not giving it it’s due. Plus I want to share some of the thought that went into the design of the C7D Hybrid-Cajon, so that you will know about all the love that went into making it.

What is ergonomics?

Here’s the definition from the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary:

ERGONOMICS
1: an applied science concerned with designing and arranging things people use so that the people and things interact most efficiently and safely —called also biotechnology, human engineering, human factors
2: the design characteristics of an object resulting especially from the application of the science of ergonomics

The way the human body interacts with a musical instrument is really as essential as the sound to the experience of collaborating with the instrument to make music.

If you experience some discomfort while playing, it may just be part of the learning curve, but the instrument should be open and ready to accept your interaction. It should invite you, and inspire you, and be nice to touch and to behold. It should not, by nature of the design, construction, or technique inflict pain or injury under normal circumstances.

Based on my own experience, below is a list of possible bummers associated with common hand drums:

-Cajon Drums are notorious for causing back pain, and you can’t play them standing up or moving around, but they are easy to integrate into a kit.
-Djembe and conga often have steel rings and bolts and hardware in places that are repeatedly struck with the hand and fingers. Especially the thumbs.
-Most Cajon Style Drums have 90 degree corners with minimal radius right where you strike them most.
-Heavy or bulky instruments, that are uncomfortable to transport are no fun.
-Uncomfortable and or inflexible playing positions suck.
-Drums that need constant tuning adjustments are more demanding.

So maybe none of them are deal breakers, but what if? What if? All those potential bummers were eradicated? Wouldn’t that be sweet?

So here is a list of things I did to address these issues, and I did them all just for you.

Hybrid-Cajon means Cajon style drumming, but without the back pain, and throwing in a fat djembe style bass tone, and a whole bunch of sounds you never heard before.

Playing edge is contoured by hand (and fingertip), and every drum gets played a bunch during production just to be sure it feels right.

All hardware is out of the way of the playing edge, so there is no metal stuff to hit your hands on.

The location of the strap loops also means that when using strap to play standing the drum head sits higher up and is easier to play, with less stooping over.

7 sided shape fits comfortably between the legs and sets up the drum for perfect hand positioning, which when combined with the chevrons around the top, makes drum head easier to navigate for more precise technique.

Multiple support options makes it possible to play while seated or standing, and in several configurations, so you can dial in your perfect support system, and/or change it up when you start to feel the pinch at a long session.

Adjustable legs allow for totally customized playing position. I like to have the head leaning away from me a little bit, makes it much more comfortable.

Straps are multi-purposed: Helps support back while stabilizing the drum when seated. Allows for playing while standing up. Acts as shoulder strap and handle making drums easier to grab onto and transport.

Drums fit into most readily available stand and mounting systems for djembe or conga drums. So getting your set-up dialed in should not be difficult.

Works as a portable hand drum, and also integrates into a kit nicely.

C7D Hybrid-Cajons are comparatively Light weight, and easy to transport.

Easy to keep clean, if that’s your thing.

All Cajon style drums with wooden heads never need tuning or adjustment.

So why suffer the broken back, the bruised thumbs, and the rigid possibilities of those cumbersome other drums, when you could get a C7D Hybrd-Cajon the loves you as much as you love it? ; )