Umesh Warbhuvan, a renowned percussionist from Pune, India, trained under the guidance of Guru Trilok Gurtu and Guru Pt. Suresh Talwalkar. His unique style blends Indian and Western percussion, showcased in solo recitals, productions like ‘Taalyatra,’ and international tours with Pt. Suresh Talwalkar. Umesh has performed at numerous music festivals worldwide, collaborating across genres from Indian Classical to Jazz and Fusion, and contributing to Bollywood and Marathi film music.
Let’s discover what makes Schlagwerk percussion Umesh’s choice.
Q. How were you first introduced to Schlagwerk?
Umesh: During my music school days, a friend from Austria named Bernard introduced me to the Cajon, specifically the compact Hip Box model from Schlagwerk. Before that, I hadn’t been familiar with other brands. The sound of that first Schlagwerk cajon perfectly matched my playing style, and since then, I’ve had no desire to use anything else.
Q. Could you tell us about the Schlagwerk instrument you use and what factors influenced your decision to select it?
Umesh: In terms of the instrument, I find the acoustic sound of the Cajon especially its bass and snare tones, as well as the warm, clean sound when playing the sides-exceptional. I also appreciate the feel of the cajon’s wood. Key factors for me include the instrument’s sound quality, its lightweight design, the comfort of playing on its surface, and its responsive nature.
Q. What are your impressions of the build quality and craftsmanship of Schlagwerk Cajons compared to other brands?
Umesh: The finishing of the Cajon is particularly impressive, providing a pleasant bounce while playing. The surface is exceptionally smooth, and the corners are meticulously crafted. Compared to other brands, the cajon is more comfortable to sit on and play, with screws designed so that they don’t hurt your hands.
Q. How does the sound quality of Schlagwerk Cajons vary across the different models you’ve reviewed?
Umesh: Each model of the Cajon had its own distinct characteristics—some offered a balanced mid-range, while others featured warm bass and snare tones. The high-end models had excellent responsiveness, adapting beautifully to softer playing and maintaining sound integrity even with louder hits. Every model provided a unique sound, making them suitable for a variety of genres.
Q. How does the playability of Schlagwerk Cajons feel, especially in terms of comfort and responsiveness?
Umesh: It offered an impressive response whether played with brushes, hands, or finger techniques, providing a wide range of dynamics.
Q. Do you have any other Schlagwerk instruments on your wishlist?
Umesh: Haha, if I had to choose just one, I wouldn’t be able to! I want them all, as I’ve built my career with Schlagwerk Cajons over the past 15 years. However, if I had to pick a specific one, I’d love to add a Big Logdrum to my collection.
7. How does your Schlagwerk instrument perform in studio and live settings? What do you appreciate most about its performance in each setting?
Umesh: Live – Schlagwerk Cajons produce a bright, warm, and well-controlled sound. The bells inside the Cajon, especially on the snare, add a rich texture to the overall bass sound.
Studio: For various genres, Schlagwerk offers a broad range of sounds. For pop grooves, I prefer a mid-range cajon for its specific tonal qualities. In contrast, for genres like fusion and flamenco, I opt for a high-end Cajon to achieve a distinctive texture.
Q. How would you introduce Schlagwerk to someone unfamiliar with their instruments or the brand?
Umesh: I always recommend Schlagwerk because no other brand delivers the traditional Cajon sound quite like it. Schlagwerk consistently produces instruments that closely capture their natural tones, with exceptional craftsmanship and a refined, attractive build quality.
Q. What are your thoughts on Schlagwerk’s philosophy of maintaining high-quality production in Germany without outsourcing?
Umesh: Germans are renowned for their high standards in craftsmanship and for producing top-quality products. Schlagwerk’s philosophy of manufacturing in Germany without outsourcing is ideal, as it ensures an unwavering focus on achieving the best possible sound quality.
Q. Describe Schlagwerk in 3 words
Umesh: I Love Schlagwerk!
