In praise of the humble analog metronome

biggiesmalls · by **biggiesmalls** » 2020-12-22 11:18 a.m.

Among the many objects I've dusted off and rediscovered during this pandemic is an old Wittner analog metronome that I picked up years ago at Goodwill. There's just something very gratifying in the percussive sound that emanates from this little wood and metal pyramid. Manually winding the device every morning has become a welcome part of my daily routine, and it makes me think twice about all of those AAA batteries I replaced in my little Korg over the years.

So, if you happen to have an analog metronome lying around unused, or can pick up a used one online for a reasonable price, I highly recommend giving it a try.

StephenK · by **StephenK** » 2020-12-22 11:49 a.m.

I use mine, love that click!

baileyman · by **baileyman** » 2020-12-22 11:56 a.m.

The click is it!

My own analog though is electric, a Franz, also from Goodwill. Clack! Clack!

hyperbolica · by **hyperbolica** » 2020-12-22 12:27 p.m.

I used to carry one of those small ones around in my music briefcase years ago. It worked fine for 5/8 but couldn't get it to work for straight time without being on a 5 degree slant. I have to admit I much prefer the newfangled stuff that you can customize and works in any meter. I have a nice wooden Seth Thomas that adorns my music cabinet. I'm sure it works, but these days it's just for decoration and nostalgia.

BGuttman · by **BGuttman** » 2020-12-22 12:29 p.m.

I have one also. One of the few things of value I got from my mother saving Plaid Stamps in the 1950s.

If you place it on an angle you can get an interesting sound. Sorta asymmetric. In fact, mine seems to do that a lot. That's why I don't use it much any more.

biggiesmalls · by **biggiesmalls** » 2020-12-22 7:13 p.m.

I suppose I'm fortunate that the thrift store Wittner maintains perfect time side-by-side with the Korg. I wonder how many of these older metronomes no longer keep time precisely?

ArbanRubank · by **ArbanRubank** » 2020-12-22 7:42 p.m.

I have never, ever had a metronome that could keep good time. I have also never had an accurate tuner. So if you listen to me play, it isn't my fault.

andym · by **andym** » 2020-12-22 9:49 p.m.

I’ve got a Wittner, too. Love that analog click!

timothy42b · by **timothy42b** » 2020-12-23 7:57 a.m.

Mine is a Seth Thomas. It gets a lot of use, not just for trombone but also as a timer. Set it to 60, and use it to time your planks, e.g.

robcat2075 · by **robcat2075** » 2021-01-02 7:34 p.m.

I have one of those. It goes

tick-tick... tick-tick... tick-tick... tick-tick... tick-tick...

There's no angle I can lean it at that will make it tick straight. :shuffle:

And yet I don't throw it out.

afugate · by **afugate** » 2021-01-03 9:41 a.m.

[quote="baileyman"]The click is it!

My own analog though is electric, a Franz, also from Goodwill. Clack! Clack![/quote]

I still own -and use- the electric Franz my parents bought for me nearly 50 years ago. In fact, I worked lip slurs against it yesterday. No muss, no fuss, no fiddling around with it. It just works. :)

--Andy in OKC

stanzabone · by **stanzabone** » 2021-01-03 10:10 a.m.

"Blackbird singing in the dead of niiight..." :biggrin:

My issue with the traditional metronomes was being able to hear it while playing anything above mezzo piano. The little "throw-it-in-your-case" miniature models were way too wimpy. Finally found a plastic Wittner, about 8 inches tall, which had a louder click.

Hard to deny the electronic & cell phone app versions are more versatile, and benefit greatly from having a headphone output.

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In praise of the humble analog metronome