Does anyone use a BodyBeat metronome?

manjar · #1 02-13-2008, 01:49 AM

I saw it at NAMM. It is a metronome with a wired clip-on attachment that actually vibrates so you can feel the beat (made by Peterson, the dudes who make Strobostomp tuners, etc.). It seems like a good idea to me, but before I lay out the $100 I'd be interested to see if anyone has experience with it. Thanks!

DblStopBomber · #2 02-23-2008, 08:10 PM

I also checked it out at NAMM. My feeling was that there wasn't enough of a sharp beginning to the beat, so it was difficult to determine where the beginning of the beat actually was. It pretty much vibrated with the same oomph throughout the entire "note", which could make your time a bit fuzzy.

We talked to the Peterson guy there and he said that they've already designed a networked set of metronomes (using Bluetooth), so theoretically you could link up a whole stage with them. In-ear monitors seem to negate the need for the feature, but I can definitely see a use in a marching band that is spread out all over the field. They didn't think tha t the market was ready for it yet, though...

MarkTAW · #3 05-17-2008, 04:06 PM

I just got one today, I think it's really good. The plastic feels a little cheap & flimsy, and the rhythm motor seems clipped on to the belt clip making me wonder if it'll break sometime down the line, but feeling the rhythm really helps you internalize it better/faster than hearing it.

I also find that if I clip it to the outside of my belt rather than the inside, there's an "outside a night club" like real bassy click you can ear.

I recommend it.

wdinc01 · #4 05-17-2008, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DblStopBomber

but I can definitely see a use in a marching band that is spread out all over the field. They didn't think tha t the market was ready for it yet, though...

Boy that'd be something! Although I seriously think that this thing might start messing with your heart's rhythm. Sounds interesting, I dunno if I really need it though.

manjar · #5 05-17-2008, 04:48 PM

I did buy one, and finally sat down with it over the course of the last few days. My first impression was that it seemed harder, which I think is simply because I am used to hearing a click instead of feeling a pulse. As I got used to it, I actually came to believe that it allows me to be *more* precise in practicing with the metronome, because the attack portion of my note is not getting blended with a click sound, so I can really hear what's up. I guess that's the second thing that made it seem harder!

But it is all for the best. As MarkTAW mentioned, the net effect is that you are forced to get a much more internalized sense of the beat. It's quite remarkable, actually, and I'd highly recommend that people try it if you have a chance, but really give yourself at least a few minutes to get acclimated, it will be worth it. It has given me a different understanding of some of the songs I play, practice exercises I do, etc. I haven't used it enough to get a sense of the battery life yet, but I use wireless in-ear monitors so I am practically swimming in half-used 9V batteries.

I also agree that the box feels a little lightweight and plastic-y for something with such a high price tag. At the same time, I appreciate that it is lightweight, as it is a wearable item. I do wish that the main unit could be smaller, and/or the screen be larger and backlit, and/or make some minor tweaks to the control button layout. But it is a well-designed unit in my opinion even as it stands. These guys make great stuff (see "Strobostomp" !).

Anyway, thanks for your replies!

MarkTAW · #6 05-18-2008, 09:18 PM

I do want a strobe tuner. I have since I was a kid and we had the piano tuner come by to tune the piano. Plus I like the fact that their tuners do alternate/historical tunings. I'd love to hear a just-intonation open major chord on my guitar, for example, even if all I could play accurately is I, IV, V. (Though I guess I could do that with a regular tuner just looking at the cents.)

If I had a wish for this thing - and I've seen a few here (even saw the inventor pop in a thread or two), it would be to have the option to have the click sound with the vibe. That could help with the multiple user thing too, but mostly it's so I could try to "bury the click" with the vibe on. It would probably also address some peoples comments that the pulses "feel mushy/indistinct."

The rhythms it has are good but not comprehensive. I'm enjoying the "dotted eight + sixteenth" combos. The "dotted sixteenth + thirty second" combos only seem useful near the lower tempo range (sub 65 bpm) because above that the two beats combine into a single buzz, plus I don't think anyone uses that feel at that tempo.

The visual beat indicator is almost meaningless, I think it's just to show that it's on.

andrewd · #7 05-19-2008, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DblStopBomber

I also checked it out at NAMM. My feeling was that there wasn't enough of a sharp beginning to the beat, so it was difficult to determine where the beginning of the beat actually was. It pretty much vibrated with the same oomph throughout the entire "note", which could make your time a bit fuzzy.

We talked to the Peterson guy there and he said that they've already designed a networked set of metronomes (using Bluetooth), so theoretically you could link up a whole stage with them. In-ear monitors seem to negate the need for the feature, but I can definitely see a use in a marching band that is spread out all over the field. They didn't think tha t the market was ready for it yet, though...

Did they give any indication as to when something like this would be available?