Very sensitive instrument. I was concerned because the snares are not adjustable, just on or off, but they are well dialed in and respond to even light finger rolls. Obviously there is not a ton of bass, but it has loads of pop as a hand snare or similar, and if you take the snare crossbar out it has a cool wooden conga sound with more resonance. I was curious about this Skinwood playing surface but it just feels like very smooth wood to me, albeit very comfortable to play unlike some other cajons I tried where you really have to slap it to get a good tone. Volume is nice for something of this size, slaps really cut well. The sides are rough which provides a great grip when holding the cajinto between your legs. Highly recommended.