talkmagic.co.uk

hey does anyone know how the haunted key works. can someone please email me the instructions.i want to buy a haunted key but ive heard you can use yor own key. my email address is mpendergraph@hotmail.com

You don't need a gimmicked key that's for sure, but I think that you do need quite a large heavy key, and of course an old fashioned iron key looks best for this effect. My advice is find an old key and play with it, I assume that you know the effect, I think that you should work out how it is done. I can't be more specific as anyone could be reading this.
If anyone thinks that I shouldn't have said even this please feel free to complain!

There's only the three of us still here. Everyone else has deserted!

... Tony

Further ramblings on the subject of the haunted key.
I have found through diligent study (thirty seconds with my back door key) that the haunted key can be done with any key for a lever type lock or warded lock (ie nor yale or car keys) although an old lage iron warded key would look best because they look more intricate and slightly unusual. If you look at allmagic.com and click on the reader link at the bottom you will find a short e-book on the haunted key (tenth one down) with performance tips, though you will have to have microsoft reader (free download) to read it. I haven't read it yet but I might.
From all your questions so far I assume you are most interested in close up magic, which is my personal favourite area, and I think Tony's too, what sort of effects do you perform and who for?

Yes it works with any mortice key just about....
but i would say its best to purchase the key as results are much better.

I can agree with you guys, a decent old fashioned key works fine - sometimes better - but there's another item by the same manufcaturer called Golden Key where the 'teeth' of the key move around the shaft then up towards the end with the ring on. At this point the whole thing is handed for examination and found to be 'securely welded' in place. As the style is identical to the Haunted Key it makes a great follow on item.

[Anonymously Posted by: 'Paul Stevens']

i have had the haunted key for about two yaers now, at first i was disapointed as i shelled out a lot of money for it.
when i first started practising it turned over so fast i nearly threw it away.
my key is is presision made and reacts to the slightest "comand" given it.
i now carry it on my key ring and enjoy any opertunity to use it, over coffee in a resturant or pub, people watch as i make the key turn.
i have had to date 18 bookings this way so it has paid for itself.
the quality varies as does the style of key, i havent tried the golden key version, but it looks nice and can be swithched for the golden key itself.
if you know a good key maker / locksmith they could make you up a key, though the head (round) part of my key is actualy oval if you know the trick you will apreciated the design.
hope this helps.

Hi Jason - thanks for your postings! I noticed recently that one of the on line supply companies are actually packaging Spirit key and Golden Key together so they must have read my earlier posting! You make a good point, though; whatever the props - gaffed or straight - it's all in the presentation! Cheers,

Paul