In 2011, just three days before a standing monthly residency at Georgetown Saloon, Mark Pires, a former MTV music artist, received the last minute call from his percussionist. After four months of duo performances, the cajon player couldn't make the show and wouldn't return until the following month.

Determined not to cancel or compromise the performance, Mark decided to build a cajon that night, hoping to add percussion while playing guitar. But once it was finished, the limitations were immediately clear.

Traditional cajons weren't designed for guitarists, they sit underneath you, can't be kicked properly, and don't allow access to the playing surfaces while holding a guitar. Mark tried the cajon but for him as a solo musician it simply didn't work. In that moment, it became obvious the traditional style cajon was obsolete for his needs.

That realization sparked the idea for BeatSeat®.

Mark went straight to pen and paper, sketched the first prototype and began to build. After a few early illustrations, he arrived at a completely new instrument. The original goal was simple but powerful: an ergonomic seat, a kick on one side for bass, a snare on the other and the ability to hold a steady beat, while playing guitar. What emerged was a patented kick and snare system that allows a solo performer to sound like a full band. The more creatively you use your feet while playing guitar, the bigger and fuller your sound becomes.

Today, BeatSeat® is hand built in Connecticut by Mark himself to his patented specifications. He and his wife, Lara run the business together. Some people jokingly call BeatSeat® a "cajon on steroids" and we embrace that. There has never been a drum like this before.

BeatSeat® features a convenient "grab and go" bar in the back access portal for easy carrying and transport, four playable panels and two snares, all designed to be played from a comfortable seated position.

BeatSeat® is quite literally a drum kit in a box, redefining what a solo performer can do, delivering the sound and feel of a full band while comfortably seated, something that didn't exist before...until now.