Established in 1895, by Gustav Wittner, a German watch maker, Wittner is renowned for the quality, accuracy, and beauty of their precision, mechanical metronomes. These traditional Maelzel (pyramid style) metronomes are crafted of solid wood, with a choice of gloss or matte finish. They are powered by a hand-wound spring - no batteries. The swinging pendulum provides the player a visual indication of the tempo, as well as a steady, fairly loud, audible click. The optional bell is an actual, metal, bell chime, that can be set to chime on the first beat of each measure, or turned off. It is often used by teachers to help their students get a feel for the impulse of the down beat.
Review of Wittner Solid Wood Mechanical Maelzel and Taktell Super Mini Metronomes
Are these metronomes made of real/solid wood?
Yes, the exterior panels of all the metronomes on this page are crafted from real, solid wood.
What’s the difference between the “Genuine” wood metronomes and the others?
The standard Wittner models are made of seasoned lumber that is locally available to the Wittner shop in Germany – chiefly Alder and Poplar. This wood is then given a beautiful Walnut, Cherry, or other stain. The “Genuine” models are made from the wood of the named tree – i.e. the “Genuine Oak” metronome is made from the seasoned wood of an Oak tree.
Is the tick-tock sound loud enough/too loud for my needs?
Most players can hear the click over the sound of their instruments with no difficulty. Yet, the sound is not overpowering and does not seem excessively loud, heard on its own. The percussive click is relaxing, much like a clock. (Indeed, many customers purchase these metronomes as an aid to sleep and/or to help relax children with sensory processing differences.) The Maelzel metronomes are slightly louder than the smaller Taktell models.
Why should I choose a mechanical metronome over an electronic metronome?
If you just need a tempo, there are numerous free apps available. People choose a Wittner metronome because they're looking for something more. These solid-wood metronomes have a beauty and style to which no electronic metronome can compare. They require no batteries. The sound is more pleasant than beeping noises. And, the swinging pendulum gives a visual indication of the tempo, in addition to the audible click, which makes it far easier for the musician to sense exactly where they are and to stay precisely in tempo.
How accurate are Wittner mechanical metronomes?
Wittner has a long-time, well-earned reputation for reliability and accuracy. In our tests, these metronomes were consistently accurate to within a few beats per minute of the selected tempo. (In fact, in most of our tests, they were spot on the number.) If you wish to test the accuracy of your metronome, simply set a timer for 60 seconds and count the number of ticks. Please note that testing one metronome against another, to see if they tick in unison, won't work.
Do you have these metronomes in stock?
Yes, if the metronome shows available to order, then we have it physically in-stock and available for immediate shipment. If it shows, "sold out," then we'll likely have it back in stock within a week or so.
Should I pick the high-gloss or matte version?
This is purely a matter of personal taste and the décor of the room where the metronome will be displayed. Some customers prefer the mirror-like, reflective, high-gloss version, which has a deep, beautiful, glossy shine, not unlike that of a well-varnished violin. But, the non-gloss, natural, matte-finished metronomes have a beauty of their own, which some prefer. Consider matching, or complementing, the stain and finish of the piano on which the metronome will be placed.
Which color/style should I pick?
Again, we recommend selecting the color/style that looks good to you, and that you think will match well with the piano/table on which the metronome will be placed. They are all beautiful, so you can’t really go wrong.
Should I choose a “bell” version?
The optional “bell” is a real, metal bell, placed within the metronome housing. These models have a control lever, on the right side, above the winding key, that allows the user to set the bell to chime at the beginning of every measure (in various time signatures), or to turn the bell off. The bell is primarily used by teachers, to help their students understand the emphasis of the down beat. It is otherwise used infrequently. If you don’t feel you need the bell, we recommend purchasing the non-bell version, for two reasons: 1) It’s less expensive. 2) The version with the bell can sometime still make a very soft, subtle, tap on the muffled bell, even when it is turned off. It is often completely inaudible. But, sometimes a very discerning listener will notice the sound. This is normal, and part-and-parcel of a purely mechanical construction. But, if you’re not going to use the bell anyway, and worry that the sound will bother you, best to purchase the version without the bell. Note that the bell can be set to chime every 2, 3, 4, or 6 beats, or turned off.
How do I use my Maelzel metronome, once I receive it?
On receipt, remove the key from the bottom of the metronome, place it in the hole on the right side, and wind it onto the shaft. Note that the shaft may be at a bit of an angle - this is normal. Soon, you'll hear and feel the mechanism start to wind. Keep winding until the key no longer turns. Your metronome is now fully wound. Next, unlatch the front cover by sliding the black latch at the top of the cover down. Now, gently remove the cover. The fit of the cover at the base may be somewhat tight - this is normal. Press the top of the steel pendulum in, slightly, and move to the side, in order to release it from the catch and allow it to swing freely. Locate the pendulum weight at the bottom of the pendulum and slide it up to the desired tempo. Ensure the metronome is sitting on a level surface. Give the pendulum a nudge to start it swinging. When finished, simply slide the weight back down and tuck the top of the pendulum behind the catch at the top of the mechanism, to stop it swinging, and replace the cover.
How often will my metronome need to be wound?
In our trials, the Maelzel (pyramid) style metronomes ran between 30 and 150 minutes on a single winding, depending on the tempo selected. At the slowest setting of 40 b.p.m., the metronome ran approx. 2 1/2 hours. At the fastest setting of 208 b.p.m., the metrome ran approx. 30 minutes. In our trials, the Taktell Mini models ran at 60 p.b.m. for a little over 60 minutes.
Does Wittner use all metal parts?
No. Under the solid wood exterior, Wittner uses a combination of metal and high-desnity, high-quality, composite gears and mechanical parts. Metal expands and contracts with changing temperatures. So, to ensure accuracy, certain working parts must be made of composite. Where strength is required, as in the plate that holds the mechenasim to the solid-wood housing, metal is used. On the Maelzel models, the base, the black background behind the pendulum, and the feet are also composite.
