Stand-alone metronomes in this day and age may seem more than a bit old-fashioned. With modern smart phones, tablets, and laptops either featuring a preloaded timekeeping app or, at least, the ability to add one, metronomes are unquestionably anachronistic. With nearly 50 percent (48.8%) of participants in this issue’s MI retailer survey reporting that sales of such units are down, it’d appear customers, by and large, agree.
That doesn’t mean that everyone feels these time-keepers are to be relegated to history’s dustbin, however. As Michael Santander of Tucson, Arizona’s Instrumental Music Center observes, “Less and less people care about a metronome with tons of extra features (sound changing, volume control, subdivision of beats). Those extra features are in a phone. We see most consumers looking for something inexpensive and simple.”
Read on to learn about what consumers are looking for in a metronome (great impulse buy to keep by the register, by the way), what brands are offering in-demand models, and what other trends are impacting this market segment.
When compared to this time last year, sales of metronomes at your store are…
Up: 28.2%
Down: 48.8%
Level: 23%
For those who still favor analog/mechanical metronome units, what’s the enduring appeal?
“The visual/aesthetic. It’s fun to have a pyramid-shaped wooden metronome on your desk or piano.”
Michael Santander
Instrumental Music Center
Tucson, Arizona
What types of metronomes are most popular at your store?
Analog/Mechanical: 44.9%
Digital: 55.1%
For digital metronomes, what types are selling the most?
Clip-on: 25%
Tuner/Metronome Combos: 49.8%
Dial: 9.2%
“Credit Card”/Compact: 16%
Since most smart phones feature metronome or “metronome-like” apps, for those who still prefer stand-alone metronomes, what is it about such products that remains appealing?
“School band teachers are recommending apps rather than real metronomes to their students. Their logic is that they are saving the parents money.”
Avi Rostov
Click Music
Oak Harbor, Washington
“Accuracy.”
George Copeland
North Channel Music
Elliot Lake
“I don’t know. The metronomes I’m seeing are not very good for the average performer.”
Steve Staples
International Vintage Guitars
Oakdale, Louisiana
What brands of metronomes are selling best for your business?
Korg: 84.9%
Snark: 81.4%
Wittner: 67.4%
Cherub: 50.1%
Seiko: 48.8%
Peterson: 28.3%
BOSS: 19.1%
Have you been noticing any significant trends when it comes to metronome sales or design?
“I am finding the profits dwindling to the point that I only have them as a courtesy to my rental customers. Some cases they are being advertised at or below my cost.”
Barry Konowitz
Needham Music
Needham, Massachusetts
“Not significant trends. The Cherub metronome is very attractive and popular.”
Larry V. Miller
Metronome Music
Mansfield, Ohio
