Time is one of the most important components of music. Melody and rhythm both rely on precise timekeeping to work. This is why music teachers have students practice with a device like this metronome or a “click” track.

These days the typical metronome will be electronic, which is perfectly OK, but nothing can beat the feel and look of a proper mechanical metronome.

Governed by Newton’s laws, this device will keep accurate time no matter what, where most electronic systems may only approximate the reliability of a good mechanical metronome. Even better, it uses clockwork, so you don’t need any batteries!

This unit from Tempi is a mahogany color with steel gears and lovely polished metal parts. It can be used for tempos between 40 beats per minute and 208 beats per minute.

While this metronome looks like it is made of wood, the shell is actually plastic. While that may seem a shame, it still looks great, and using plastic has brought the price down.

If you are a musician looking to improve, or know someone who is seriously studying music, then there are few more effective tools you can buy than a mechanical metronome like this one. It’s easy to use, will help develop sensitive musical awareness, and is simply way more classy than the electronic option.

It’s wonderful as both a gift and a practical tool for any musician on any instrument.