RIP...

NortyFiner · #1 10-27-2009, 01:02 PM

Yesterday, I lost a long-time partner from my musical life. For many years, my companion provided the beat for me to follow, the rhythm to link to the melody. Our relationship was not always good; there were many times, especially in longer sessions, when I would tire and struggle to keep up, but my partner would frustrate me by insistently going on, mocking me by remaining steady as ever on the beat. Not that my partner was perfect; my partner was simple and prone to falls, and sometimes would run out of energy at the wrong time. Even so, our practices together endured all those difficulties and more. Until finally, yesterday, my partner had one accident too many, and our musical time together came to a tragic end.

Rest in peace, my poor broken metronome.

caeman · #2 10-27-2009, 01:12 PM

The beat must go on! It is my hope and prayer that another companion will tick its way into your life to assuage the loss of your venerable partner.

Was it the old fashioned pendulum style I used to be tortured with as a child? Or modern digital model?

NortyFiner · #3 10-27-2009, 01:59 PM

It was an old no-name quartz dial metronome with a flimsy little metal stand. I don't even remember where or when I got it. No fancy digital features, just turn the dial to the number you want and it clicks. I had it for years, dropped it or knocked it off my amp countless times and it always kept going, but yesterday was finally one accident too many, I guess. I almost feel like I should bury it in the back yard...

As for replacing it, I just picked up a Korg MA-30 from a local store. It's weird in a way, all modern digital and plastic. But it can do triplets (practicing my Steve Harris imitation) and other things, which I guess is good. I think I may go back and buy another quartz dial type just for tradition, though.

caeman · #4 10-27-2009, 02:02 PM

Wait! You are a mediocre bassist...and you are practicing triplets? Turn in your number, young man!

wideload · #5 10-27-2009, 02:06 PM

Maybe he was practicing WITH triplets (lucky guy). I hate metronomes. They always drag.

addylewis · #6 10-27-2009, 07:13 PM

Bloody hell...until I read the last sentence I thought you'd lost your best friend who was a drummer lol

Try this - not the same, but a nice free computer one! http://www.pinkandaint.com/weirdmet.shtml

sobie18 · #7 10-28-2009, 12:02 AM

Swinging 64ths is where it's at...

RestInPieces · #8 10-28-2009, 12:50 PM

Who's Calling?

Oh never mind. Carry on fellow bass players.

machine gewehr · #9 10-29-2009, 10:02 AM

If you have internet connection at hand and in need of a metronome:

http://www.metronomeonline.com/