A True Percussion Idol: The LP Kevin Ricard Cajon

LP artist Kevin Ricard is one of the most visible percussionists performing today, thanks to his spot in the house band for American Idol. He's frequently featured "up front," expressively accompanying Idol contestants on a cajon and other percussion instruments.

Now, LP is proud to offer a cajon that's as dynamic and versatile as its namesake. Designed in collaboration with master cajon maker Mario Cortés, the Kevin Ricard cajon is made in the Flamenco style, which utilizes internal wires (rather than a loose or adjustable front plate) to add crispness and definition to the low fundamental tone produced by the body of the cajon.

With an overall size of 18-1⁄4" x 12-1⁄4" x 12-1⁄4", the Kevin Ricard Cajon features specially cut corners on the top and bottom. These corners, in turn, create a uniquely shaped rear panel that provides added punch and a more focused and articulate bass sound.

A unique element of the Kevin Ricard Cajon is its adjustable port. By means of a sliding baffle, the port can be fully opened or partly closed in order to adjust the pitch and the volume of the bass sound.

But the bass sound isn't the only adjustable option. Inside the cajon are two sets of wires, each of which is independently adjustable by means of a supplied Allen key. Fine-tuning the tension of these wires...some loose, some tight...allows the player to balance the wood sound of the cajon with the wire sound so that neither dominates—resulting in a great musical blend.

The body of the Kevin Ricard Cajon is constructed of Finnish birch, with reinforcing elements made of modern composite materials. The front striking panel is glued and screwed to the top, bottom, and sides of the cajon for rigidity and durability.

You may not be performing on American Idol (at least, not yet). But you can still be a percussion winner with the LP Kevin Ricard Cajon!