This is a very well designed device and it is made from quality materials. But let me tell you what
my observations are. The pre-folded box I received was not folded exactly as it should have been. A
couple of folds and slots did not line up properly so I had to do some cutting and re-folding of my
own to get the box assembled properly. I was successful, but this should not have been necessary.
You are directed to a website to view assembly instructions. They are very long, but well done. My
problem with the site was that Mr. Shortland, the inventor, never shows you HOW to use it!! He talks
about his show all the time but never demonstrates it in action. I really would have liked to see it
being used in real life by the inventor. This is a routine I have never done before. The way the box
works is really quite ingenious, especially considering it is really just folded card stock. But one
thing I noticed was that it would be very unfortunate if one of your spectators, especially the
first one to put a slip of folded paper into the box, were to lift the box and give it a shake. They
would hear something inside and feel something banging around. As near as I can tell, that is the
only time that you would be in real danger of having the boxes secret discovered. Honestly, that is
pretty amazing. Considering the high price of $40 it really should have come with its own
instructional and assembly DVD as well.
Hi Rob
I'm Eduardo Neves from Brazil, I'm mentalist, I read your post and I'd hope help you.
Well, the first:
HOW to use it: I don't know Mark Shortland, but I believe it's not his fault not teach a routine. The "Amazebox" is a POWERFUL device used for mentalists (long long time) called: "switch box" mainly used for: Q&A TEST routines. Implies that those who bought the product know what good for (it's purpose), believe Rob, you have a powerful tool at hand! (no bullshit)
To learn some routines, I advice you looking for this:
http://www.trickshop.com/question-answering-methods.html
(This link have huge material for apply this tool, please Rob be aware that not all Q&A routines uses the "Switch box", in mentalism different from magic, it's common to adapt the methodology)
Try to looking for John Riggs (I love) the best in "psychic" material, believe in me you can become a millionaire here in Brazil performing the "Psychic Phenomena Acts". try this:
- John Riggs The Complete Fortune Teller (ebook, search in google)
- John Riggs The Psychic Agenda
well... I have helped you
Next:
"I noticed was that it would be very unfortunate if one of your spectators, especially the first one to put a slip of folded paper into the box, were to lift the box and give it a shake."
DON'T BE AFRAID!!!! - THIS NEVER HAPPENED !!! IN WORLD !!! :)
Even because when you start learning Q&A Routines (or more about mentalism techniques) you'll learn about "management" or "pattern", people will not be touching in the box, catching, handling, believe in me (remember? Mentalism is different of magic) try to see "Derren Brown - Something Wicked This Way Comes "- (he uses very much "switch box") all is very "organic", fluid, beautiful!
"that is the only time that you would be in real danger of having the boxes secret discovered." - Again, don't be afraid, this fear will go away :)
"Considering the high price of $40 it really should have come with its own instructional..."
- Rob, some wooden models can cost: $300 (US Dolars)!!!, this is a FORTUNE (in Brazil 300 equals = $1200 - 1 US dolar = 4 Reais (Brazilian Currency) if converted to cash of my country, so give thanks to Mark Shortland for to provide a cheaper version.
Believe in me!, you have a GEM in hand!, I believe you!, you'll learn to use this tool with all potential, you'll make money from it, BIG money!!! :)
I hope have helped
Have a nice day
God bless you
Regards;
Eduardo Neves
Brazil
I'm with you, Rob. You learn the mechanics, but no routines. Here's the trick, figure out how to use it. Eduardo's solution is to pay even more money ($5-$6) for some ideas on some routines. The only thing I could find, which offers only a little help, is the following:
https://youtu.be/b0kq9JRl4Dw
There is an Osterlind DVD where he uses a switch box. Hunt that DVD up. Also, think of any routine where you want the spectators to give varied response, e.g., the one in the video where they are to write down movies. When the slip is selected you have either predicted the movie or read the spectator's mind who selected the slip.
Tons of alternatives.
Great concept, BUT
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