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Last updated: 2 Feb 2022
No More Getting Sidetracked: Reviewing The Best Metronomes For Musicians
Building a good, consistent rhythm with a metronome is very easy, provided you have a metronome that is loud enough to be audible over the sound of your musical instrument. While there are many digital metronomes out there, you must verify that they have a durable build quality and can provide a loud sound output. Also, a mechanical metronome might be a more suitable option for some musicians, due to its easy-to-use battery-less design. Based on these factors, our team has come up with a list of some optimum cheap metronomes of 2021 for their excellent build quality, easy-to-use design, attractive appearance, and exceptional accuracy!
If you're a beginner and don't know what a metronome is - it's a device that beats or produces a ticking sound that helps you maintain the desired pace throughout your song and if you're playing with a band, it keeps every musician playing in sync with the others! It isn't really possible for anybody to record a track without a click track (metronome) playing in the background - it's that important. So, without taking this conversation sideways, let's get started with the top clicking gadgets out there!
Comparing the Cheap Metronomes of 2021 for Best Quality
1
KLIQ Music Gear MetroPitch
– Best Overall
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THE SCOOP
An easy-to-use metronome with a built-in tuner and tone generator; it’s a 3-in-1 device. It’s an easy-to-use device that offers you greater control over your performance. Also, this metronome has a very compact size and comes with a carrying pouch, making it exceptionally portable. Our favorite part? It’s a tap tempo metronome; allows you to manually come up with a nice clicking sequence with a broad range of 30-250 beats per minute!
Pros
- Extremely easy to operate, allows you to simply dial in the required tempo
- Very accurate – provides stable readings in a very fast manner
- Comes with a versatile tuner and a tone generator with swift pitch selection
Cons
- The battery drains rather quickly
2
Tempi Mechanical Metronome
– Best Mechanical
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THE SCOOP
A gorgeous yet simple-to-use metronome with a battery-less operation. This metronome uses steel gears that offer it exceptional durability, yet it’s extremely lightweight due to the plastic exterior that is gorgeously decorated with a mahogany veneer to give it a very premium appearance. It will help you establish accurate playing timing, provide an excellent sense of rhythm, and help develop finger preciseness. Moreover, it offers 40-208bpm and an easily adjustable 0/2/3/4/6 beat bell!
Pros
- Does not require any batteries or power sources to operate
- Comes with an e-book that makes the metronome very easy to use
- Comes backed with a 2-year warranty and 2-months of free online lessons
Cons
- The sound can be harsh/loud or grating
3
Ueteto Mechanical Metronome
– Most Portable
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THE SCOOP
An easy-to-use mechanical metronome with a compact, easy-carrying size. The mechanical operation of this metronome allows you to accurately tune your musical equipment to get the best sound, without requiring any power source or batteries. The tempo range with this one is 40-208 bpm and beat selection is 0/2/3/4/6/. In simple words, you’re really just getting your hands on a very nice mechanical metronome with precise clicking and an excellent solid finish that makes it look like an antique decor item in your room!
Pros
- Extremely easy to use, perfect for both beginner and professional musicians
- Available in six colors
- Their customer support is excellent and will cater to all your issues
- Average single full wind lasts for around 18 minutes with 2160 clicks
Cons
- Surface lettering might fade away over time with regular use
- The sound is pretty hollow – may not work for some
4
Donner Mechanical Metronome
– Most Durable
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THE SCOOP
This beautiful, pyramid-style mechanical metronome features a pendulum in the middle and swings by to help you choose your needed beat and tempo! It can make up to 40 to 208 beats per minute while the beat selection is 0,2,3,4,6.
We think this is an economical, built-to-last metronome. It’s only that you can’t control its volume, unlike a digital metronome. But, apart from that, it’s got everything you need. The best part about it is that it has a wooden finish and it looks more like a decorative ornament than a musical aid. It’s a lovely piece and works like a charm!
Pros
- Does not require any batteries to operate – runs for 35 minutes on a full wind
- Sports a beautiful, pyramid-like design
- Has a tempo tolerance of 1% and a beat by wood block chip sound
- It also has a 5 position on/off bell
Cons
- The sound is a little plastic
- It can break if it falls
5
BOSS Dr. Beat Portable Metronome (DB-30)
– Best Sound
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THE SCOOP
The Boss’s Dr. Beat metronome is available in three variations; this particular one is a portable, ruggedly built gadget and it’s packed with fun, play-along patterns. Moreover, it has 24 beat variations with complex beats and 9 rhythm patterns. The tap-tempo feature is a life-saver – something that mechanical metronome users are devoid of. The black finish makes it look cool and an auto-off feature that makes it ideal for optimizing battery life!
Pros
- Has a large easy-to-read LCD that also features a tempo meter
- The automatic power-off feature helps save battery life
- Loaded with 12 internal chromatic reference tones
- Has a convenient phones jack and two bright LED lights that visually assist your practice sessions
Cons
- There is a lag time between hitting the switch and the metronome starting – this can cause hiccups if you go out of sync during a jam and need to restart the metronome without stopping
Buyer's Guide: Finding Your Finest Cheap Metronome
A metronome is one gear that every musician can use no matter the instrument being played. The first half of this article hooked you up with the finest metronomes available out there. This second half will fill you in on everything you need to know before buying one. Let's help you find one that perfectly fits your needs!
Why is a Metronome Necessary?
Every musician, whether aspiring or professional, needs a metronome in their toolbox, and here are a few reasons why:
Steadiness
A metronome keeps your rhythm and playing steady i.e. prevents a musician from speeding up or slowing down on a beat. It can help build a solid sense of rhythm and feel a consistent beat. Also, a metronome is also the best way to find out how fast the music should be played!
Ease in learning
Learning fast pieces of music can be quite complicated especially if the musician is a beginner however, a metronome can help slow down the music by setting the tempo to a slower speed and gradually increasing which makes practicing the music easy and exciting!
Better playing technique
Musicians performing fast or complex pieces need to practice days on end to understand its beat, rhythm, speed and play it well. A metronome cuts down the time spent and allows musicians to perfect their technique by building a better base on their music.
Reduces tension
Musicians trying to improve their playing are prone to a poor sense of rhythm and even develop tension in their body especially the wrists. However, by taking up the metronome's assistance, they can understand their pieces of music better and reduce tension.
Progress tracker
Most metronomes have data on the progress you have made which helps musicians to track how far they have reached and essentially be motivated to practice and remain consistent in the process.
How Many Types of Metronomes are Available?
There are tonnes of metronomes available in the market today but they are essentially divided into three main constructive styles. Remember that not every metronome is fit for every musician! Read up on the different types of metronomes below and find out which is the ideal one for you!
Mechanical wind-up metronomes
The classic design, a mechanical wind-up metronome is a simple accessory constructed with a screw that is used to wind the metronome up manually and several notches on its pendulum arm which help designate specific beat-per-minute (BPM) values. These metronomes function without batteries and provide accurate readings on a level surface.
Electronic (Digital) metronomes
A modern take on the classic metronome, an electronic metronome has additional functions such as allowing the musician to set the beat to the preferred volume and change the click sound. Most have a headphone jack, are compact in size, have LED light for visual cues, backlit screens, and excellent durability!
Software metronomes
A popular choice among many musicians, software or app metronomes functions mostly the same as the digital metronomes without the need for the device. Though they are more complicated to use and need a functional computer to be tethered to, such metronomes can be customized to the musician's preference!
How to Choose the Right Metronome for Yourself?
Now that you have an idea of what a metronome is, its advantages, and all the different types available, you are all set to hit the market and find the ideal pick for you! Let's discuss all that you need to consider when choosing a metronome.
Tempo range
The tempo range is measured in beats-per-minute and a metronome usually has a range of click speeds between 30bpm and 250bpm. Mechanical metronomes have preset values and the pendulum arm manages them while digital metronomes have preset and customizable tempo ranges available. A good tempo range allows musicians to practice their best performance.
Beat variations
An ideal metronome can detect the downbeat of each bar by the different tick sounds and handle various time signatures i.e. indicate the required number of sub-beats. Mechanical metronomes are constructed with a physical bell while digital metronomes indicate the beat variations through louder ticks and different pitched sounds.
Tap tempo
A good metronome employs the use of tap tempo which allows musicians to tap a button and set the metronome's tempo which is then interpreted to the nearest beats-per-minute value by the speed of the musician's taps and helps tune the music accordingly. It is an essential consideration for musicians.
Tick sounds
Many musicians stay away from the metronome because of the tick sounds it makes. Some metronomes may be noisy and some are more pitch-friendly. Make sure the metronome you choose has a ticking sound that is unpitched, suits the environment you play in, and can be heard over the instrument being played.
Cheap Metronome FAQ
Q: Can beginners use a metronome?
A: Yes! A metronome is a useful accessory for musicians of all levels. In fact, having a metronome to assist you from the beginning will help you understand the beat better, play at a steady rhythm, speed up gradually and pick up the pace when the music needs it.
Q: Are all metronomes the same?
A: Metronomes have one purpose and that is to help the musician have consistent speed while playing music using a tick or a beep sound. They come in different styles (digital and mechanical) and sizes allowing musicians to pick one that best fits their environment, the instrument being played, and their pace.
Q: How much should a metronome cost?
A: Metronomes come in a variety of price ranges with the cheapest being $10. These will not offer many click sounds or last very long but do work well for emergencies. Metronomes are quite budget-friendly and even those that offer a raft of functions can cost only as high as $50.
Q: Is a metronome distracting?
A: It depends on the kind of metronome you pick. Most modern metronomes employ at least two click sounds, offer unpitched ticks which do not interfere with the pitch of the instrument, and have options for beeps to indicate the speed. Such metronomes are not distracting, some are even used to meditate!
