Collection: Wooden Metronomes

Are these metronomes made of real/solid wood?

Yes, the exterior 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 from Alder and Poplar trees. This solid 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.

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, matte-finished metronomes
have a beauty of their own, which some prefer.  Consider matching 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. 

Is the tick-tock sound loud enough/too loud for my needs?

Most players can hear the click sound over the sound of their instruments (i.e. violin, piano) 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.) Yet, it cuts through, and does not get “lost” in, the sound of most instruments.  These mechanical metronomes have the distinct advantage over electronic metronomes, in that the player can not only hear the tick, but also see the motion of the pendulum for an indication of the tempo. The Maelzel metronomes are slightly louder than the smaller Taktell models. 

Do you have these metronomes in stock?

If the model does not show, "sold out," 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.

See the product description of each metronome for additional Q&A.