Ironbark (I think) Cajon.

[lewisc]

This was the first cajon I've made. I'm pretty sure it's Ironbark. Held together with glue, screws and covered over with Huon Pine plugs. Finished with a linseed oil, tung oil and satin poly mix followed by linseed oil, tung oil and beeswax (Sam Maloof's finish).

I've made a few since out of plywood and I actually prefer the tone of the ply. I think because the ironbark is quite dense, the sound isn't as bassy/boomy as the ply.

[peteandoreen1]

Some may not realise that the pronunciation is "Kay Hon" comes from the banning of musical instruments for the slaves back in the slave days. The ingenious musically inclined people used the wooden boxes and packing cases that were used as seats to pound out the beat to sing to. Have you also put a drum snare inside this adds a real difference to your instrument. Thanks for posting its a nice looking Drum. Peter

[lewisc]

I used sticky tape to attach a snare to the tapa but removed it. I liked the sound but I'm still working on making a system that can adjust the snare on and off.

[Scally]

Good colour and grain on the Ironbark.
Nice touch with the Huon plugs.

I have made a few cajons and haven't found much difference in sound between ply and solid wood.
The tapa seems to be the important part. I use thin, 2mm, bendable ply and add my own veneers to dress it up.
It gives a nice deep bass.

Commercial cajons have a range of mechanisms to move a snare on and off the tapa. If you check them out, you might find one that you like.