Wittner 845131 Maelzel Mechanical Metronome - Walnut Grain

Plastic casing / Traditional German craftsmanship w/ new technologies & modern production methods / Reliability and quality / Without bell Well-known composers used a metronome and many of the worlds' great composers and musicians have got their timing exactly right, by using a metronome. Today, most persons learning the piano would use a metronome, which is also useful for those learning guitar, banjo and percussion instruments, such as drums. The mechanical metronome was invented, in Germany, in the early 19th century. The mechanical metronome is a simple but very effective device. It is powered by a wind-up spring, rather like that in a clock - basically, it is a clockwork motor. When, the spring is wound tight using the key, it creates tension, which is the driving force for the vertical rod and adjustable weight. When the metronome is set in motion, the rod swings back and forth, rather like a pendulum in a clock. The adjustable weight on the rod determines the rate of swing and thus the number of Beats-per-Minute. The weight is easily moved up and down the rod to adjust the speed. The close up photo on the right shows the scale in BPM (Beats-per-Minute). The weight and rod is clearly visible, as is the horizontal engraving marks that determine the BPM. As the weight is lowered on the rod, so it moves faster, increasing the BPM. Conversely, as the weight is raised, the rod moves slower. Each time the rod reaches the end of its travel; the metronome emits a 'tock' sound. It is quite loud and is deeper in Pitch than the ticking of a clock.