I was looking to buy a cajon for me and my son. We are both beginners on the cajon, but my son plays the drums so I knew he would pick up cajon playing in short time. I did some research and tried out some Meinl, LP, and Pearl models at a few Guitar Centers. I didn't want to spend much money, but I didn't like any of the cajons I tried out. This is a matter of taste, but I looking for a tight sound with bass notes that weren't overshadowed by the snares. Through reviews, buying guides, and YouTube videos (look for Cajon Comparison), I came to the decision that I wanted the Schlagwerk 2-in-1.Man, it's an awesome cajon! I'm very happy with the quality of this cajon and the sound we get from it. And the best part is that the sound has been getting better over the 2 months that we've had it. It could be that we're striking the box more properly now than before, but it sure sounds better.If you're in the market for a low-priced cajon to get started on, I would strongly suggest adding the Schlagwerk 2-in-1 to your list of possible buys. Yes, it costs more than the Meinl Headliner, but you owe it to yourself to give Schlagwerk a try, if possible, before making the final decision.