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What Makes a Mechanical Metronome Tick, Tick, Tick?

1/6/2013

7 Comments

 
Picture
Video Below:
I found this Seth Thomas mechanical metronome in the trash and it was missing the wooden top and the windup key.  But I recognized immediately that it would have a spring and gear train.
The first patent issued for a mechanical metronome appears in Germany in 1815, but I was unable to locate the original. The metronome was designed to assist musicians keep the time signature assigned by the composer. This is designated in beats per minute, and the familiar Italian terms, Adagio, Largo, and others to advise at what tempo the musical piece should be played.
The mechanical metronome has been replaced by electronic metronomes that are more accurate, cheaper, and have multifunctional capabilities. The mechanical parts most relevant in the windup metronomes are based on the two elements, the pendulum and the escapement. I was going to post a macro photo of the escapement but found a great animation on horologist.com here. Enjoy the tick, tick, tick, or is it tock?

7 Comments
Chris Rasmussen
1/31/2014 01:13:38 am

Were you able to find a new windup key? I have an old one and can't find the key, and wondering where I could find a replacement... thx!

Reply
Chris Rasmussen
1/31/2014 01:52:35 am

oops, forgot to hit the 'notify of me of new comments' check box...

Reply
Ken
1/31/2014 07:59:40 am

Hi Chris,
To be honest, I made my own key. Since the shaft had a hole in it, a 4/40 machine screw fit well. I did look for replacement keys and the cost is too high for my needs. But, Ebay seems to have parts available for both Seth Thomas and Wittner. Not sure if they are interchangeable. But unless you are trying to have an authentic replacement, I would suggest making one yourself. Sorry that I can't supply better news. Thanks for the question, Ken..

Reply
Jeanie
5/7/2015 03:18:43 am

An illustration of an escapement... http://www.thinkgeek.com/product/hshg/

Reply
steve
5/8/2015 07:58:02 am

thanks!

Reply
Tempi link
8/10/2016 07:23:02 pm

Hey Ken! That's a very interesting mechanical metronome! Seth Thomas seems to make good, wooden metronomes and it's great that you found it! Were you able to restore it and make it work again? Or did you just end up ordering a new one for sale? Thanks for the history and video! I really enjoyed watch it :-)

Reply
Ken
8/12/2016 05:01:18 pm

Tempi,
I did find the wood cover but never the correct key. However, I did find one key that worked from an old clock. But, I donated the repaired metronome to a young girl who could not afford a good one. So, all ended well! Ken.

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