Restored Antique Wittner Maelzel Metronome Taktell Piccolo in Hinged All-Metal Case, Germany, Fully Serviced

This is a rare Antique Wittner Maelzel Taktell Piccolo Metronome in a Hinged all-Metal Case, Made in Germany, Working, Fully Serviced, Restored, Freshly Oiled, In-Beat, Runs Great. Made I think in the 1960s and looks to be gently used. This metronome runs strong like it was brand new. It is complete with no missing parts, and a solid metal case with no loose parts, and only minor scuffing and light surface rust spots in the ourside of the gray paint that one would normally find in a vintage metronome. You will probably not find another metronome in this price range that actually includes the original parts, with the movement already serviced, checked and adjusted to be in-beat so that there is no annoying limp when it ticks on a level surface. The durable case is made out of solid dark gray (a rare color, most are red) enameled painted steel with key on the side and with the Wittner model name in fancy old script, see picture. They still make this model today but the case and movement gears are plastic.

It runs like new. It has a wide, very visual pendulum swing and a very even, loud ticking sound as it runs, as loud as any full sized metronome. I checked the calibration error with a precision clock timing machine and it is amazingly accurate for its small size. Less than 1% at 100, about the best you can expect from a newer mechanical metronome. It runs 3% fast at 40, 1% fast at 80, and 2% slow at 160 and 200. The loudness and the beat accuracy vary ever so slightly as it winds down as with all mechanical metronomes, but it runs a long time on a full winding. Only a classic mechanical metronome produces the solid and desirable ticking sound along with the visual swinging arm that can't be matched by electronic boxes producing cheap sounding tones and beeps.

The movement was just overhauled, oiled and adjusted. This was done for you so you can enjoy it right away rather than waiting on a repair shop. The movement's mainspring was removed for cleaning, greased, and the pivots polished on my Boley lathe, all pivot points were oiled with synthetic clock oil, and then tested. It will not need cleaning again for about 10 to 20 years. The football shaped winding key is permanently attached but can be unscrewed to store inside the case cover if desired, and is such a shape to help prevent over-winding, a very useful feature. The metronome has metal gears with steel pinions and pivots and makes no click ratchet sounds when winding that all the newer, plastic designs use. This movement also has a Geneva stop wheel to help prevent overwinding and trying to run the metronome when the mainspring needs winding. They eliminated that also on newer designs. (I see other metronome servicemen remove these important Geneva stop works, probably because they don't know how to setup the preload)

Has the dust cover door which press latches onto the side of the case and a top clip to hold the pendulum secure, so it doesn't tick in storage. The pendulum stick is released to left side of the retainer clip at the top. The reprinted beat scale is completely readable with no scratches. It has range of 40 to 208 BPM. The metronome measures about 5 7/8" tall, 2" wide, 1 3/4" deep. You don't have to worry about any batteries leaking or running out. It is an essential musical aid used during music lessons and practice time to help the students with their timing. It will run a long time, about 4000 beats per full winding.

Many music teachers recommend the mechanical metronome due to its visual swinging pendulum similar to the way the music conductor moves his or her hands. This metronome must have been cherished its entire life, and it is looking for a new home with your instrument, on your piano or organ, and most of all, it runs great! Check my reviews and buy with confidence! Also check my shop for other metronomes and clocks I will be listing. Perfect for the collector, or for music lessons. This would also make a great present!

This is a practical metronome, unmatched by any electronic ones made today. A great tool for a budding young musician.

These vintage metronomes amaze me, they are built to last and require no batteries. They hold their value and are an excellent investment to add to your collection and estate.