Top Metronomes for Drummers – Guide & Comparison
If you are having trouble in finding the best drummers’ metronome or you simply don’t have the time to spend on searching additional information on the internet, then you should find what you need in this short paragraph. After we considered the available drumming metronome reviews, we concluded that the Korg TM50BK is the one you should consider. A number of factors keep it as a bestseller on many websites. Firstly, it allows you to use the instrument tuner and the metronome at the same time, making it a reliable music tool that is popular among various types of musicians. Its easy tempo settings will allow it to work either as a mechanical metronome or as a more complex device, all for your comfort. It features an LCD needle-type meter that is highly responsive for increased performance. If you’ll find this product unavailable, then we suggest looking for the Korg MA1BL.
Comparison Table
Our Top Choice
The best thing about this product is that it is both a metronome and a tuner into one. Besides, it’s equipped with a large LCD display that will tell you whether you need to adjust your playing somehow. The tuning option is particularly accurate, at least based on what most buyers have had to say about it. You can set the tempo in accordance with your needs.
Hearing the beat is challenging when two people are playing.
This convenient and user-friendly Korg model is both a metronome and a tuner, and it comes with plenty of handy features that a drummer might require.
2nd Best
Sometimes, it’s important for you to carry gear that’s lightweight and compact so as for it not to take up too much space in your cases. This multi-purpose metronome is the solution to all of your problems because it comes with a wide array of beats and sound patterns to satisfy every requirement of every drummer. It’s still very compact.
This one’s too quiet for piano players, even at its loudest.
The way of displaying the tempo visually is truly unique. With the help of the arrows shown on the LCD screen, you’ll be able to tell the tempo right away.
The BOSS model is one of the best-known metronomes designed for drummers, but not only. It’s a great fit for guitar and bass players, and it can even be used by pianists. The model comes with four distinct beat types for every type of instrument. The note-mixing function that this unit comes with will give you a personal feel.
The cost of this unit is its greatest drawback.
The BOSS DB-9 is a truly versatile metronome and it comes with all of the features you might ever wish for from such a device. However, it is quite pricey.
8 Best Metronomes For Drummers (Reviews) in 2020
Getting the suitable metronome for your drums might prove to be a much more demanding task that you would like it to be. Because there are simply too many choices out there and far too little time, we’ve taken upon ourselves to showcase you some of the critically acclaimed products available.
- 1. Korg TM-50BK Tuner/Metronome with Wide Detection
- 2. Korg MA-1BLBK Multi-Function Digital Metronome
- 3. BOSS DB-90 Digital Metronome
- 4. Rhythm Watch
- 5. Mini Rhythm Watch
- 6. Korg BTL-MINI Mini Rhythm Trainer
- 7. BOSS DB-60 Digital Metronome
- 8. Artisan Metronome Tuner Clip on
- Yearly Guide & Report
- Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Korg TM-50BK Tuner/Metronome with Wide Detection
Whether you would like to use the metronome and the tuner independently or simultaneously, this product offers you the possibility to perform both of these tasks. It will provide you all you need to work on your pitch and your rhythm training, making it ideal for various types of musicians.
The visibility of its LCD display is enhanced by a two-level backlight, and you’ll find that the screen is also designed with a needle-style meter that is highly responsive. Its tuning function is capable of providing great accuracy, thanks to its Sound Back feature that will show exactly how the right note should sound.
When it comes to setting the tempo tolerance of the metronome, you’ll see that it is quite easy to do that. You can choose the ‘pendulum steps’ which will make the device to perform such as a mechanical metronome, the tempo being able to be increased or decreased accordingly. Or, if you’d like, you can choose the ‘full steps’ setting that allows you to specify what tempo you desire, between 30 and 252 in one-step increments.
Pros
Built to suit the needs of various musicians, this unit will allow you to use the metronome and the tuner independently or simultaneously, which makes it an option you might want to take into account.
The product was designed with precision in mind; therefore, it comes with features that will show you how the right note should sound so you can tune your instrument accordingly.
Rest assured that you will be able to use the item even in low-light conditions as it boasts a two-level backlight that will enhance the visibility of the display.
The screen is designed with a highly-responsive needle-style meter that will make it even easier for you to reach your goals.
Setting the tempo tolerance of the metronome is an effortless task thanks to the “pendulum steps” and “full steps” options.
Cons
Although they appreciated the features and performance delivered by this unit, some buyers found the metronome to be a bit quiet.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($29.99)
2. Korg MA-1BLBK Multi-Function Digital Metronome
If you are looking for a multi-purpose metronome tuner that is also compact so you can carry it with you to rehearsals or any other place, then you might like this model. It is more than capable of covering all the basics because it boasts a great variety of beats and rhythm patterns as well as possessing a broad tempo range.
It displays the beat in an original way which you’ll find to make practicing easier. The MA1BL has a stylish design that won’t make you hid it away when other people are around you, and its dependable functionality will make you keep it at hand, as it’s great for any musician.
When we said that it has an innovative way of showing the beat we were talking about the number of triangular icons that will indicate the beat. These icons will change colors from left to right on each beat, thus indicating the measure plain and clear and providing a visual aid, unlike other models.
Pros
Boasting a variety of beats and rhythm patterns and ensuring a broad tempo range, this metronome tuner might be right up your alley if you’re interested in getting a durable multi-purpose unit.
The beat is displayed with the help of triangular icons that will change colors from left to right on each beat to let you clearly know the measure and thus make your practice sessions significantly easier.
This model is also worth taking into account if you travel a lot or you don’t practice at home and, thus, need to carry your gear from one place to another as it sports a compact build.
The unit is not only easy to store and transport but it also features a stylish design that will complement the rest of your gear.
Cons
According to one buyer, the battery cover might be hard to remove and careful attention is required when trying to do that.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($39.99)
3. BOSS DB-90 Digital Metronome
This is a great metronome tuner to have when you want to make sure your entire band is in sync. That’s because it is capable of working with more than just drummers. Any electric guitars player, bass and keys players, even vocalists will be able to benefit from its use. It provides four distinct beat types, and among these, you’ll find a human voice count as well.
This feature is great because the Boss DB-90 metronome will allow you to keep track of the downbeat without failing. When you purchase this product, you’ll get more than an ordinary metronome, thanks to its ability to provide PCM sample-based drum machine rhythms which will prove to be more than helpful.
If you are the type of person who would like a more personal touch during practice, then you’ll love the Note-Mixing function which will allow you to program your very own beats. For those that want to keep the tempo close to the ear, the Boss DB-90 metronome comes with inputs ideally designed to accommodate headphones and keeping missing notes a distant memory.
Pros
Keeping your entire band in sync is easier with this metronome as it was built to work with drummers, electric guitar, bass, and keys players as well as vocalists.
The unit comes with four distinct beat types and PCM sample-based drum machine rhythms that will help you take your sonic adventure one step further.
A noteworthy feature many users have appreciated is the Note-Mixing function that allows you to program your own beats and thus add a personal touch to your practice and performance.
Thanks to the headphone inputs featured, you will be able to keep the tempo close to the ear whenever you feel like doing so.
To make it even more comfortable for you to use it, the unit comes with a footswitch control to ensure hands-free play/stop.
Cons
You need to order the power cable separately, which will add to the final cost of this unit.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($149.93)
4. Rhythm Watch
There are metronomes meant to be used during practice at home or in the studio, and there are metronomes that can be used during live jams. The RW200 is more than able of aiding you on both these occasions. So, every drummer looking for a dependable device might want to keep his or her eyes peeled.
You’ll be able to use this metronome and hear its beats without failure even if you use real drums because it lets out clicks with plenty of volume power. When in need of a change of pace during your jamming sessions you can always quickly adjust the tempo by using its dial.
You will clearly distinguish the quarter notes from the eights or the triplets and vice-versa because each of these come with separate sounds, ideally designed for you to tell them apart.
You can store a great number of patterns thanks to its increased memory, and its high quality housing and keypad will be able to withstand the test of time.
Pros
Whether you’re on the lookout for a metronome for your practice sessions or live jams, this unit is worth adding to your list of options as it was built to suit such needs.
The item is committed to helping you hear the beats even if you use real drums and, thus, offers plenty of volume power.
To make it easy for you to use it, the product boasts a dial that will help you adjust the tempo quickly and a large, backlit display that will provide you with great visibility.
Distinguishing the quarter notes from the eights or the triplets is also easier with this unit as each of these come with separate sounds.
Thanks to the increased memory, you will be able to store even more patterns and the durable housing and keypad will keep up with extended use.
Cons
The unit has not beats internally, according to one buyer who tried it.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($89.99)
5. Mini Rhythm Watch
This metronome tuner is ideally made for drummers that wish to use it during various gigs because it will allow you to guide your band with its beats in your ears and then you can play freely while the clicking stops. Featuring a sleek design, this product comes with some useful features as well.
Coming with a tempo range that spans between 35 and 250 beats per minute, the RW30 allows for quick adjustments by easily using its dial, and the volume has individual dials which you can use to subdivide the beat in quarter, eighth, sixteenth, and triplet notes.
This high quality unit also comes with an easy to use tap tempo feature that is ideally placed in the top corner so that you won’t trigger it accidentally. You can program it to work for up to thirty different songs, and you’ll see that it also offers plenty of options for meter and beat.
Headphones can be attached via a useful jack.
Pros
If you want a metronome that will help you guide your band during various practice sessions or gigs, this compact unit might be right up your alley.
The unit offers a tempo range that spans between 35 and 250 beats per minute and, to make it even easier for you to use it, comes with a dial that allows for quick adjustments.
Thanks to the individual dials the volume features, you will be able to subdivide the beat in quarter, eighth, sixteenth, and triplet notes.
Due to the various specifications featured, the item enables users to program it to work for up to thirty different songs.
The product sports a jack you can use to attach headphones and a backlit display that is easy to read.
Cons
This unit, too, comes with no internal beats, otherwise, it has been appreciated for delivering great results as advertised.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($34.98)
6. Korg BTL-MINI Mini Rhythm Trainer
The BTLMINI is a high quality metronome for any kind of percussionist since its wide selection of rhythm patterns makes it ideal for practicing. You can choose any kind of tempo between 30 and 300 beats per minute and beyond this useful adjustability, you’ll also find that you can specify the time signature and the rhythm as well in an individual way, to match your practice needs.
You’ll be able to observe your own sense of rhythm thanks to its training mode that allows it to detect the sound of your measures and catch any kind of discrepancy which will be indicated audibly.
You’ll read if you are going too fast or too slow and when you’ll do a good job, this device will congratulate you with words such as ‘GREAT’ or ‘WONDERFUL.’
Since it comes with a timer and stopwatch function, you will be provided the convenience for keeping time during your practice jams and your live sessions as well.
Pros
Built with percussionists in mind, this unit is committed to enhancing your sonic performance and helping you advance your skills.
The item comes with a rich selection of patterns and a tempo range that spans between 30 and 300 beats per minute.
To further help you personalize your performance and meet your practice needs, the product lets you specify the time signature and the rhythm in an individual way.
Because all musicians are interested in flawless sonic outputs, this metronome features a training mode that will detect the sound of your measures and audibly indicate any discrepancy.
Thanks to the timer and stopwatch function, you can use the item to keep time during both your practice and live sessions.
The product also sports a headphone output and a high-volume built-in speaker.
Cons
According to one user, the aux/headphone amp line output circuitry might be a bit noisy.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($49.99)
7. BOSS DB-60 Digital Metronome
This affordable metronome won’t please you with just its price but also with its helpful features. When you’ll practice a particular song that needs a right tempo to match its feel you can use this product’s Note Mixing function that will allow you to create your own rhythm in a quick and convenient way.
The DB-60 will allow you to adjust its output level of the first note and its four different beats as well, after which you can quickly combine them to make a new rhythm. So you can choose between a sixteenth note feel that has varying dynamics and the accent variations within a beat with multiple rhythms.
Regardless of the genre of music that you are used to playing, this metronome is ideally made to help you in your practice sessions thanks to its variety of rhythm patterns that can match many genres. To save you time, this metronome is a great way of storing the settings your desired rhythm patterns for easy access.
Pros
Taking your practice sessions one step further is easier with this metronome as it sports various features that will allow you to make different adjustments to match your specific needs.
The Note Mixing function will allow you to quickly and easily create your own rhythm and thus get one step closer to the sonic output you’re interested in.
The unit offers a variety of rhythm patterns that can match many genres and, due to its Loop Play function, the item can call up memory settings and play the patterns repeatedly.
You will also get a memory function that will allow you to store independent tempos for each song and a standard pitch function to help you tune your instrument.
Buyers have appreciated it for being easy to use, sturdy, functional, and flexible.
Cons
The 2 AA batteries required for the unit to work are not included in the pack; therefore, you will have to buy them separately.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($66.98)
8. Artisan Metronome Tuner Clip on
If you are an avid musician who is virtuous in using not only the drums but also other kinds of instruments, then you might think that this metronome is a great tool made specifically for you. It is able of supporting a wide variety of instruments, from electric guitars, bass and other kinds of string instruments to saxophones, trumpets or drums.
It has 12 available tuning presets, a chromatic mode and an 88 note range, all of these details sustaining the fact that its capable of working with many instruments. Even if you have to adjust your notes among other musicians or in other types of noisy environments, this metronome comes with a vibration technology that ensures high accuracy and sensitivity, allowing you to tune your instrument just right.
Another neat thing that comes with this product is its rotatable clip that can be spun at 360 degrees in order to provide a clear view of the LCD display. So regardless of the instrument, you’ll read the info from any angle.
Pros
Designed to support a rich selection of musical instruments including drums, electric guitars, and even trumpets and saxophones, this metronome is an inspired choice for many musicians.
To make sure that it can be used with so many different instruments, the unit comes with 12 tuning presets, an 88 note range, a chromatic mode, a BPM range of 30 to 250, 9 beats, and 8 rhythms.
Thanks to the vibration technology employed, you will get to enjoy high accuracy and sensitivity and tune your instrument easily and properly even in noisy settings.
Whether you choose to use it for your drum, electric guitar, or other instruments, rest assured that you will get a clear view of the LCD display due to the rotatable clip that can be spun at 360 degrees.
Cons
At least one buyer found the instructions included to be of little help and the construction to be not that durable.
Click to see the price on Amazon!
Yearly Guide & Report
We live in a day and age when there are simply too many available products on the market to make the search for a good metronome for drummers an easy process. You will need such a device to give you the right sense of time when you’re practicing a new song. However, we’ve put together this comprehensive buying guide in order to show you exactly what you have to know to find what you need.
Electronic metronomes
For those of you that wish to keep in touch with the latest types of musical gadgets, an electronic metronome seems like a good choice. The often provide more accuracy than classical types, they don’t need to be wound in the middle of your band’s practice sessions, and they come with multiple helpful features. Some electronic models come with an instrument tuner and metronome that is ideally designed for the tech-savvy musicians.
You’ll see that a lot of products come with a function that allows them to make different sounds, some are actually counting along with the human voice count inside your head. A flashing and large LED and an adjustable volume are other neat things that come included in digital metronomes, and they are great things to have because they will help you hear your playing clearly.
Electronic metronomes are in most cases small, portable devices when compared to a mechanical metronome. That translates into easy carrying wherever you need to use and adjust your drum set without having to go ‘by ear’ every time. Digital metronomes come with speakers, and they offer volume control, and if you want to use your headphones to keep the beat close to you, then you can connect them by using the including jack.
There are analog dials which you can use to adjust the time signatures, and some of them come with tuning functions built in. You’ll see that the best metronome and tuner models are electronic and the various features that come with these models are usually quite easy to understand and use. One of the few downsides that put a little shade on this device is that you need to keep a watch on the battery power of digital metronomes.
Traditional metronomes
Electronic models are quite the rave when it comes to metronomes. However, there might still be some among you that prefer a bit of an aesthetic touch in their rehearsal room. The traditional clockwork metronomes might not be as portable, and they do not come packed with features as their electronic counterparts. They look better, however, and might prove to be a nice addition to your home.
They possess more fragility, and the models that come with wooden cases are more expensive. It seems that they have only disadvantages, right? Especially if we remind you that if you put them on uneven surfaces, these mechanical metronomes might not work accurately. But let’s just say that there is a thing of beauty to be found in imperfect classical things such as this kind of metronomes.
The people that fell in love with music when they were younger and took drumming lessons from teachers that had mechanical metronomes might find some pleasure in the nostalgia caused by these products. A traditional drum metronome for sale has at least one advantage from an electronic counterpart, and we mean that it doesn’t need batteries, it only needs some wounding from time to time, and it is good to go. A model that’s both an instrument tuner and metronome is convenient, but it doesn’t boast the same classic design of old-style alternatives.
Features
As we said, there are metronomes out there that come with a lot of different features which you can put to good use while you’re playing your drums. You should look for features that are suitable for your skill level. Especially if we are talking about the more expensive models, you should look for top functionality (such as a reference tone).
There are some devices that are able of subdividing the beat in multiple ways; the best electric metronome can be easily programmable to suit your unique style, some are ideally made to be used by beginners as they are capable of training you, while others will provide you a way of importing your own samples and work with them.
So don’t go on the internet with no idea of what you’re looking for. You need to make sure that you know exactly what are your means and needs and which features weigh in heavier in your scale. There are plenty of expensive models that are packed with features, and you might have no need for quite so many functions. Cheap products, on the other hand, might not provide you with what you need, including a tap tempo. Selecting the perfect tuner metronome can take some time.
Can they be mounted?
Drummers that take their beats on stage in front of audiences and are in need for metronomes that fare well in these situations might want products that are able to be mounted on their drum sets. You’ll need to find the perfect equilibrium between portability and usefulness on stage because there are plenty of small metronomes that simply are a no-no when it comes to sticking them to a drum kit.
Also, there are more than one mounting methods, so you need to make sure you consider what sort of mount you need. Some are greater than others, and the last thing you need is to acquire a tuner metronome that bounces around while you are playing or it proves to be too difficult to adjust in the middle of a song.
Power
We are talking about what powers them, not about how powerful they are. When we are talking about drummers that really go to town while they are playing, hand-powered mechanical metronomes might prove to be obsolete.
Even if they don’t require any type of electrical power or batteries, you can’t use them in concerts. However, if you plan on acquiring a metronome to keep your beats on time while you are doing low volume pad work, then these models will be great, and you won’t need batteries either.
There are fewer clockwork metronomes available today since most of the market is packed with battery-powered types. Again, you should be careful because the bigger the metronome, the higher the power consumption will be and that means that you’ll need more batteries.
These models compensate the need for batteries with multiple functions, portability, and a very lightweight. Often they are so small that they are capable of fitting inside your pocket.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What is a metronome?
A metronome is a device musicians use to help them keep the tempo or beat of a song. Such a device measures beats per minute and is thus employed by players to develop a rhythm. The use of a metronome is of great importance especially if you’re a beginner as it will help you practice a song correctly.
Today’s market offers both mechanical and electrical metronomes. A mechanical metronome is adjusted manually and features an inverted pendulum rod with a weight to control the tempo. The weight it comes with will thus slide down the pendulum rod in order to increase the tempo and up to decrease it.
Most electrical metronomes come with a quartz crystal to maintain accuracy and the simplest models boast buttons or dials to control the tempo. Software metronomes are also available and they can be easily downloaded to computers, phones, and tablets.
Q: How do you use a metronome?
Before starting to use a metronome, you need to understand its functions and know the specific BPM of the song you want to practice. To measure the speed of a musical piece, the metronome uses beats per minute. This is the first number you will have to set and it refers to how many times a metronome will click in one minute.
You will then have to set the so-called time signature that consists of two numbers. The top one refers to how many beats are in a measure whereas the bottom one refers to the value of the beat. The most popular time signature is 4/4, but you should use the one that matches your song.
Once you’ve set the tempo, time signature, and volume, you can start practicing. Try to play the notes on the beat of your metronome. It might not work at first but practice makes perfect.
Q: Are there any differences between metronomes?
All metronomes have the same function: to help you keep the tempo or beat of a song. However, you will see that metronomes are divided into different types based on their shape, featured offered, and other such factors. First of all, there are mechanical, electronic, and software metronomes.
Many modern metronomes come with various features and, depending on these characteristics, they can be further divided into basic and complex models. Some units boast tap tempo settings, multiple beat types, built-in drum beats, and different colors and sounds for the downbeat.
Other features that set metronomes apart are their size and shape. Furthermore, metronomes may have different displays and controls. Not to mention that these devices are priced differently based on the characteristics they boast. Choosing a simpler or more complex model is a matter of personal preferences and goals.
Q: Do professional drummers use metronomes?
Keeping the tempo or beat of a song is vital for all musicians; therefore, drummers are no exception. Although many drummers count-off tempos from memory, more and more drum players use a metronome to help them with that and enjoy great accuracy.
The use of such a device is of great help especially when it comes to gigs. Even if you know a song by heart, a live performance is demanding and challenging. You have the lights, the audience, and the rest of the band you have to stay in sync with.
Many professional drummers use a metronome and not just when practicing but also when performing on stage. For example, Steve Gadd has made use of such a device on stage and the list could go on. Moreover, many modern bands have added in-ear monitoring systems to their stage equipment to keep the tempo with greater ease.
Q: Are drums easier to learn than other instruments?
The answer depends on the musical instruments you want to compare the drums with. Learning to play the kalimba might be easier than learning to play the drums. However, drums are indeed considered to be some of the easiest instruments to learn. The tricky thing with them is that they are difficult to master.
Learning a few basic drum beats might be less difficult than learning a guitar chord. Keeping your hand hits and beats in sync is where the challenge arises. The rest of the band depends on the rhythm of the drum; therefore, high rhythmic accuracy is required.
What’s more, getting the right tap or accent is also difficult and you need to learn to coordinate the upper and lower body in order to play professionally. Still, as it happens with all musical instruments, it takes time, patience, and perseverance to learn to play the drums.
If you enjoyed reading this article, perhaps you might want to check out our others:
Bibliography:
1) Tips for Awesome Metronome Drumming
3) Practicing With a Metronome
4) What you need to know about a metronome
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