Metronomes

[JimB]

As I've said before...I'm committed (or rather probably should be). So, I went ahead and got the book Rhythmic Fingerwork.
I understand from reading it that a metronome is an essential thing to have, so before I go online and get one, does anyone have any recommendations?

[Macman]

My instructor thinks they're essential, so I got one. I use it when I'm practising. It's a Korg; for $10 more, I got the one with a tuner, which I haven't used yet. I bought it at the local music store for around C$40, and it's nice and small.

[Phogfan86]

I spent USD 22 on a very simple one that beeps and a red light flashes on the beat. You can turn off the beep so you just get the light, and you can also plug in headphones if you want to keep the beeper on but don't want to drive everyone else in the house nuts. I don't remember the brand, frankly.

My point is, I don't think you need to spend a lot of money -- and boy, can you ever! -- on what is, when it all comes down to it, a pretty simple device.

[george7]

Get the Korg with the tuner on it so you can tune you drones and chanter later on down the road.

[JS Sanders]

Yes - good advice. A simple electronic metronome - even the inexpensive ones'll last for years. An earphone may be essential in not irritating those around you with an incessant beep.

A piping colleague showed me a metronome that has a wired 'business-end' attached to a small box that contains the battery and adjustable dial for bpm.

The difference is that it makes no sound, nor displays a flashing LED. Instead the business-end 'thumps' very noticeably, yet silently.

Slan yall,
steve

[pipe23]

When you go online, do a search for "online metronome" and see what pops up. There are many online metronomes available, some can even be downloaded for free onto your computer. Even if you decide to buy a metronome it's great to have one or two on your computer. You can get started right away on Rhythmic Fingerwork while waiting for your hardware unit to arrive.

[EagleJCS]

I would suggest one that you can change the time signature on - so you can go from 2/4 or 4/4 to 3/4 and 6/8. That way you can split the timing to beep on each beat in a measure or - in the case of 6/8's - just the first and fourth beats.

I use a Seiko DM-20. It works well enough for working with the practice chanter.

[SteveB]

I have the Korg MA-30. Metronome only - not for tuning. I figure that for the price I can leave this at home for practise, and eventually get a second with the tuner to go with the pipes when that day comes. This one certainly travels well in my backpack, until someone bumps into me, then it starts, and the bumper gets surprised. Also gives me a lot of space on the bus....
Slainte

[JimB]

All suggestions much appeciated!
I hadn't thought about a tuner yet, but if I need one down the road anyway that might be the way to go.
Thanks!

[Mr. Woolery]

JimB- ask your teacher what metronome he/she suggests. This is someone who should already know more about your learning style than anyone on this board.

My teacher suggested one that displays a little arc of LEDs bouncing back and forth. It is a fairly cheap metronome, but the moving display helps me to predict the tempo better than just a flash and beep. Your experience may vary.

-Patrick