(This article appeared in the December 11, 2000 issue of Forbes Magazine in the "Playthings" column.)

Crazy Rhythm
Conventional metronomes are fine for keeping time to "Tea for Two," but they aren't up to reproducing the complex, counterintuitive rhythms of flamenco, let alone an 80-beat Indian thal. If you're an amateur musician who can't help losing your way in the mambo, help has arrived. MundoBeat is a programmable metronome that spits out the most complex syncopated time when the user plugs in the accented beats and rests. It also comes preloaded with more than 50 popular world rhythms, including three flamenco bulerias. Cost: $99.
—A.F.

Photograph: Thomas McGuane (carving knife), Dennis Galante (metronome).