(Photo above: Derek Steen | courtesy of Barebones Cajon)
Barebones Cajon is the name of a new local enterprise established by Derek Steen that is crafting one-of-a-kind custom Cajon Drums for musicians in Central Oregon.
What is a Cajon Drum? Well you already may have guessed a musical instrument, but as Derek Steen would further explain, it is an acoustical box hence the name Cajon and you sit on it while thumping it with your hands, fingers or heals to make a resonating drum sound.
You can get a variance of sounds from one drum depending on where you strike it, since inside there is a snare apparatus toward the top you can get a higher pitched sound, midrange in the center and bass or deeper range at the bottom.
This instrument has become an essential part of the local music scene since it is easily moved and can fit into any venue. But what really sets Barebones Cajon apart from the rest is one-of-a-kind handcrafted look. It’s the sheer precision artistry and unique style of this craftsman, which comes from years of cultivation.
Steen comes from a background of talent. Growing up in Southern California, his father was a well respected engineer and machinist while his mother refurbished antiques and introduced him to wood staining and reconditioning furniture. Steen has a musical background playing tenor Sax and had ambition of becoming a firefighter when a terrible motorcycle accident in which he lost his left arm, cut most of his dreams short.
Redefining his life meant finding a career that would enable him to work with one arm. He became a drafter but his artistic ability wasn’t being fulfilled. So he started custom refinishing and building furniture in his workshop and the rest as they say is history. Steen takes great pride in every drum he makes and each Cajon is a one of a kind piece of art!
54-420-2290
Derek Steen
Sunriver Oregon
www.barebonescajon.com
