Gear article
Wittner Taktell 2201 Metronome Owl Design
The Wittner Taktell 2201 is a mechanical metronome featuring a distinctive owl-shaped plastic casing. Manufactured in Germany, it provides a tempo range of 40 to 208 BPM and is specifically designed to engage younger musicians during practice and lessons.
See live pricesOverview
The Wittner Taktell 2201 Metronome represents a departure from traditional pyramid-style metronomes by incorporating a novelty owl-shaped aesthetic. While its exterior is designed to be approachable and entertaining for children, the internal mechanism remains a precision-engineered German timing system. It is housed in a durable plastic casing that protects the pendulum and gears during transport or use in classroom environments.
History and Background
Wittner is a long-standing German manufacturer renowned for producing high-quality metronomes and musical accessories. The Taktell series, including the 2201 Owl model, was developed to provide reliable mechanical timing without the need for batteries. The 2201 model was specifically conceived to solve the problem of student engagement, using a friendly animal design to make rhythmic practice less intimidating for beginners.
Design and Key Features
The primary feature of the Taktell 2201 is its eye-catching owl design. Functionally, it operates through a traditional mechanical movement. The tempo is adjusted by sliding the metal counterweight up or down the pendulum arm, which is marked with a scale ranging from 40 to 208 BPM.
Key features include: * Mechanical Operation: No batteries are required for use. * Tempo Range: Covers the full standard spectrum of musical tempos from Grave to Prestissimo. * German Engineering: Ensures accuracy and durability over long-term use.
Sound and Character
The Taktell 2201 produces a clear, audible 'click' at each beat. Unlike electronic tuners and metronomes such as the Boss TU-05 or Korg GA-2 which use digital beeps, the mechanical click of the 2201 is percussive and organic. This sound is generally considered less fatiguing for long practice sessions and cuts through the sound of acoustic instruments like pianos or violins effectively.
Suitability and Comparisons
This metronome is ideally suited for music teachers and parents who practice with young children. Its visual appeal helps keep students focused during rehearsals.
When compared to more traditional models like the Wittner W801 Wooden Metronome, the 2201 is more portable and less fragile due to its plastic construction. Compared to modern digital alternatives like the Behringer TU300 or Korg GripTune, it lacks chromatic tuning functions but offers the visual feedback of a swinging pendulum, which is often preferred by educators for teaching rhythmic feel.
Related gear
£22.00 ($28)Boss
Boss TU-05 Rechargeable Clip-on Guitar Tuner
£9.99 ($13)Tuner Fish
Tuner Fish Lug Locks Orange 8 Pack
£229.00 ($291)Wittner
Wittner W801 Wooden Metronome Mahogany
£5.99 ($8)Tuner Fish
Tuner Fish Lug Locks Red 4 Pack
£15.50 ($20)Korg
Korg GripTune Clip-On Tuner
£12.50 ($16)Korg
Korg GA-2 Guitar/Bass Tuner
£29.99 ($38)Gear4Music
Mechanical Metronome with Thermo-Hygrometer by Gear4music
£21.05 ($27)Behringer
Behringer TU300 Chromatic Tuner
Frequently asked questions
- What is the tempo range of the Wittner Taktell 2201?
- The metronome offers a tempo range of 40 to 208 beats per minute (BPM). This range covers all standard classical and modern tempo markings.
- Where is this metronome manufactured?
- The Wittner Taktell 2201 is manufactured in Germany, adhering to strict quality control standards. Wittner is a well-established brand known for precision musical tools.
- Does this metronome require batteries?
- No, the Taktell 2201 is a mechanical metronome. It operates using a wind-up mechanism and does not require any external power source or batteries.
- How do you adjust the tempo on the Owl metronome?
- The tempo is adjusted by sliding the counterweight located on the pendulum arm. Moving the weight up slows the tempo, while moving it down increases the speed.
- What is the primary material of the casing?
- The exterior of the 2201 Owl metronome is made of high-quality plastic. This makes it more resilient and lightweight compared to traditional wooden metronome models.
- Who is the target audience for the Taktell 2201?
- It is primarily designed for music teachers, parents, and young children. The owl design is intended to make practice more fun and engaging for younger students.
- Does it have an integrated tuner?
- No, the Taktell 2201 is a dedicated mechanical metronome. For tuning, products like the Boss TU-05 or Korg GA-2 would be required as separate devices.
- Is the click sound adjustable in volume?
- No, the volume of a mechanical metronome's click is fixed by the physical movement of the internal parts. It produces a clear and audible sound suitable for most practice environments.
- How does the owl design impact functionality?
- The owl design is purely aesthetic and does not negatively impact the accuracy of the timing mechanism. The internal clockwork is of the same standard as other Wittner Taktell models.
- How does the 2201 compare to the Wittner W801?
- The 2201 uses a plastic owl-shaped casing geared toward children, whereas the W801 features a traditional wooden mahogany pyramid design. The W801 is often chosen for its classic look, while the 2201 is chosen for its novelty and child-friendly appeal.
- Can the metronome be used for all instruments?
- Yes, the Taktell 2201 is a universal timing tool suitable for piano, violin, guitar, and wind instruments. Its clear click is helpful for any musician needing a rhythmic reference.
- What is the typical price for the Wittner 2201?
- The typical price for this model is approximately GBP 124. This reflects its German manufacturing and specialized novelty design.
