Northbound by Sean Fields
Ok here is the blurb on this effect that can be found on the product packaging and on most of the websites carrying it!
The original Ring to Necklace just got better! Imagine borrowing a spectators ring, and causing it to vanish, only to have it IMMEDIATELY reappear on your necklace! Imagine being able to do this without wires, reels, pulls, magnets, or thread. Eclipsing what can be accomplished with a gimmick, this TECHNIQUE is simple, elegant, and practical. This has been one of Sean's most sought after effects, absolutely stunning some of the worlds BEST magicians.
Key points:
NO thread, wires, magnets, pulls, reels, NOTHING!
The ring is ALWAYS under your control and safe.
The ring can be both SEEN and FELT on your necklace, UNDER your shirt, BEFORE your hands go ANYWHERE near the necklace.
ANGLEPROOF.
The basic concept is SO simple, you can adapt various elements of the routine to better suit your style.
INSTANT RESET.
Any ring. Any necklace. Anywhere. Any time
DEMO VIDEO
A demo of this effect can be found at:
http://www.magicproshop.com/northbound- ... -6269.html
£18.99 from Magicshop.com (Bit cheaper on ebay!, I know ebay is killing the magic hobbyist, spec: seen it, my bruvvers got it)
Difficulty
(1=easy to do, 2=No sleights, but not so easy, 3=Some sleights used,
4=Advanced sleights used, 5=Suitable for experienced magicians only)
Around a 3, but not like tying an elves shoelace.
Review
I thought I'd sussed this one from the demo video(See above). To fulfill curiosity I bought it anyway (Just had a pay rise!)
The Jiffy arrived....The usual 'not awfully creative' looking DVD was slipped in to my player and we were off.
The DVD is logically set out, Mr Fields takes us through the effect from start to end and then breaks it down into more manageable chunks.
Namely:
The Set up/Gimmick
The Vanish
The Reproduction
and a couple of bits on making it all convincing.
There also a secret/not so secret section outlining a 'Fields' Gypsy Thread effect. (More on this in a bit!)
The Gimmick is not included with the DVD, however you will have one in your house. You will also need some other stuff but dont let this put you off, it's cheap and readily available. The Gimmick only serves to prove that the ring is on the necklace instantly, watch the demo, this is the "through the jumper part!!"
The vanish is nothing new, in fact, I saw a bloke use this vanish to great effect in the local pub with a cigarette only last night. I should imagine you all know it. If not pop down the pub at last orders and more than likely some clown will be trying to pull the barmaid with it.
The blurb claims the effect to be 'ANGLEPROOF' which is true....as long as nobody is standing behind you or beside you!!!???
However the specs ring will, as advertised, be on the necklace at the reproduction. No switches no thread etc etc...
I was dissapointed that my initial suspicions on the working of Northbound was confirmed. If you have any idea on how this is done when watching the demo then chances are you are pretty close to the mark. It has however confirmed in my mind that the simple stuff in magic is usually the most effective.
This effect works, it is effective but only works best on a one to one situation hence the reason it looks great on film.
The bonus gypsy thread effect is a twist on the Northbound effect. using the same methods to provide a 'ripped and restored' cotton routine, I already used this, which is what probably tipped me off about Northbound itself.
Overall
Effect 8
Value for money 5
Originality 3
Total 5 / 10
Give it a miss and buy Bo Bo's Modern Coin Magic its all in there.