On a Meinl Snare Cajon, the snares touch the front plate from the inside which provides the desired 'cajon sound', which is requisite in Flamenco music. A knurled knob adjusts the amount of pressure used to press the snare wires against the frontplate, allowing you flexibility in the kind of sound you want - the effect can range from light and sensitive to very loud and throaty. The entire snare unit can also be turned completely off.The top corners of the front plate can be adjusted to be closer or further away from the sound chamber, which will alter how much 'smack' you get from those playing zones. The top of the cajon is also padded so your 'sitting apparatus' doesn't get sore.The front plate on this instrument has an ebony wood veneer, while the resonating body is constructed from rubber wood.