The metronome is an instrument that is used for marking musical tempo. Many different forms have been in use since the first was created in 1696.
The traditional style and the most common now in use is the clockwork driven metronome, which was patented by Maelzel in 1815.
These metronomes are in the shape of a pyramid and have a pendulum that swings back and forth on a pivot and makes a ticking sound. The speed is adjusted by moving a sliding weight. Some metronomes have a bell sound which can be added to the clicking rhythm and made strike on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th or 6th beat.
The main purpose of the metronome is to establish an appropriate tempo for a piece of music and to maintain consistency of tempo through a work or an excercise.
At The Piano Workshop we offer a large selection of metronomes, including the German made Wittner metronomes.
http://thepianoworkshop.com.au/products/13-metronomes
