Metronomes and Metronome Features for Drum Practice

Metronomes can range from about $10 to $200. I don't recommend buying the $10 ones, tough. You should also avoid those mechanical, pendulum based metronomes, even if they look sophisticated. They are not that common anymore. A digital metronome is the way to go. For drummers, a headphone output is a must, and most digital metronomes do have them. It is also useful if a metronome can subdivide the beat into triplets, eighths, and sixteenth notes. A metronome should also be able to produce a different sound on the first beat of the measure, and have a visual indicator for the beat.

Here are some digital metronomes you should consider:

• Korg MA30 - This little metronome gives you all the basics for about $30. It accents the first beat with a different tone, has volume control, a headphone jack, beat subdivision into thirds (including missing middle beat option), eights, and sixteenths, and has an LCD beat indicator. Although, this metronome is not loud enough to be comfortably used in practice with an acoustic drum set. It's fine for use with a practice pad.
• Boss Dr. Beat DB12 - The Dr. Beat metronomes are aimed at the professional musician. They are good for drummers because they are able to produce loud sounds, and have plenty of beat variations. This particular metronome is an inexpensive and compact Dr. Beat model.
• Boss Dr. Beat DB88 - This model is the top of the line among metronomes, and has plenty of "bells and whistles". It can even count with a speaking voice.

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