Having trouble with your Wittner Maelzel metronome? Here are some common issues that customers experience, and recommended solutions:
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How do I wind my metronome?
- The winding key ships in the base of the metronome. It must be wound onto the spring shaft, located in a small hole on the right side of the unit. Note that the shaft is often at a slight angle - this is normal and not a defect. You may need to adjust the angle of the key as you thread it onto the shaft. Turn the key clockwise until you hear it start to wind. Continue winding until it will turn no further. Your metronome is now fully wound.
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My metronome doesn't keep ticking - it quickly slows down and stops.
- This is usually due to the metronome not being wound. See, "How do I wind my metronome," above.
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My metronome doesn't tick - the pendulum just goes back and forth without a sound.
- This is usually due to the metronome not being wound. See, "How do I wind my metronome," above.
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How do I use the bell?
- In the bell version of the Maelzel Wittner metronome, there is a mechanical lever on the right side of the unit, above the winding shaft/key. This controls an actual metal bell within the metronome housing. When the control is pushed fully into the metronome, the bell is off. By pulling the shaft out (to the right), it can be set to chime on every 6th, 4th, 3rd, or 2nd beat. (Note the numbers engraved on the control lever.) The bell is typically used to keep track of, and emphasize, the down beat (the first beat of each measure).
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My bell won't turn off. I can hear it even when off.
- It is normal for there to be a very faint and muffled tap sound, or slight ringing, even when turned off. This sound is often completely inaudible. But, the discerning listener may still hear it on some metronomes. If you think this will bother you, we recommend purchasing the non-bell version of the metronome. If you're hearing something more than a muffled tap or slight ringing, it's possible that your metronome has become damanged or is defective. If you've received a new metronome from us that is defective, please accept our apologies, and contact us immediately so that we can make it right.
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My metronome isn't accurate / doesn't tick at the right speed.
- Wittner metronomes should tick accurately to within a few beats of the desired setting. Usually they are spot-on. But, they are not clocks, and do not contain quartz crystals or digital technology to keep them accurate to a microsecond. And, this level of accuracy is more than sufficient to the purpose for which they are intended.
- To test the accuracy of your metronome, simply use a clock or stopwatch to time a full minute, and count the number of ticks. At a setting of 80 beats per minute, for example, you should count approx. 80 ticks in 60 seconds. A tick or two either way would be within the normal range of accuracy for these devices.
- Please note that testing your metronome by comparing to the beeping/ticking of another metronome, will not work!
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The pendulum of my metronome doesn't swing evenly - it swings further/longer to one side than the other, causing the ticks to be uneven.
- Wittner Maelzel metronomes will function accurately for decades, with little or no maintenance, if properly cared for. But, if dropped, or if the pendulum arm is pulled or twisted, they can get out-of-alignment.
- Check to see that your metronome is placed on a flat, level surface. If the surface is completely level, and the pendulum does not swing evenly, then you'll need to have your unit adjusted. Fortunately, this does not mean that your metronome is broken! And, adjustment is a fairly simple matter, though we do recommend having it done, professionally. Contact us for assistance, or seek out a local clock/watch maker.