Got this for my sisters birthday. It was mid range in price, probably owing to the fact that it's not a solid wood but rather a selected (ply) construction. It feels well built though, and has taken some knocks in the two year I've had it without any visible or acoustic damage. Sound-wise it definitely delivers, in spades. Great snare and bassy sound which is great for some variety. It is also very comfortable to play if a person is petit, as my sister is. I'm no giant either (5'7") but find it really comfortable and easy to play. My only percussive experience before hand came from playing the Bodhran with traditional Irish music bands. So the Cajon was a new experience for me, but it is pretty easy to get started on and doesn't take long before it starts making some interesting sounds, and it's allot of fun for the price.