talkmagic.co.uk

Does anyone have this? Is it any good?
Easy to use?

Anybody?
I like the look of this but can't find a video demo anywhere....

It's very good.

I personally don't own one, but two of the entrants in this years "UK Children's magician of the Year competition" used one. In fact, Michael J. Fitch, the winner of the competiion has one.

It's a great effect. They say that all children's performers should use some sort of puppet and I feel this falls into that catagory - but is more "magic". Naturally - the prop itself could never be the be all and end all. You would have to rely on your presentation, buty this prop will help.

I have a bg one..if you'll pardon the expression. The larger of the 2 models. For me it has only been used for one act.. The compere anniounbces, The Great Charlie, the World#'s Greatest Ventriloquist, assisted by Allen Tipton. I walk on with the picture covered. He doesn't appear. Search the area. " Sorry there's been a technical hitch" The cover slides off. There is a large face. Surprise. Whilst I'm looking for Charlie, the eys move every time i look away. It speaks. Later it teaches me how to be a vnetriloquist. The Board has many uses and this Act has gone a stormer with my audiences for 2 years. My wife thiunks it's the best vent Act I've ever done!!!
Easy to operate. If you can move one finger and a thumb you can work it!
quares on the board it's again..easy. Lots of ideas with the instructions.
Lots of follow up routines etc. fron Steve Axtell especially those who are not vents.
I'm thinking of now buying the smaller model.
Both come with a cloth carry bag but i advise buying one of those document cases used by art students etc. from WH Smith or
Wilkinsons.
There are videos on Magic Cafe..mainly under the kids section.
Allen Tipton

Thanks Allen, I'm really sold on the idea of getting one of these as I've heard nothing but good reports about it. Luckily there is a left-handed version for 'southpaws' like myself.
Regarding the pens used, are they special ones you need to buy from certain suppliers or will any wipe-clean marker do the job?

The Axtell products certainly seem to be of a high quality. Just wish I could afford the remote control version.

If this is the one that Magic Dave uses then I've seen him use it during one of his lectures and it's a really great routine - even for adults.

In fact, I'm not sure that children will appreciate it as much as adults

Thanks!
The demo's I have seen of it, well, it looks tremendous and it's in the context of an adult environment I will mainly be using it. I have some ideas as to it's application.
I think that adults would enjoy something like that. If I had been to a show and someone had used one, it's certainly something I would talk about.

I think my mind is made up about this one!

Pens : Steve Axtell says you MUST use Expo 2( the 2 is important) LOW Odour PENS. Sandfield's who produce the pens now print the 2 on them.

Billy Whizz of Plymouth says that Staples OWN brand work perfectly. This I have to check as I'm still on Expo 2. His e mail is magic@billywiz.biz if anyone wants any info.

A USA professional recommneds Staedtler White Board pens

Another tip I came across was to polish the board's face with a dry cloth BEFORE drawing on it.

If the board gets really dirty after a lot of use, use a white board cleaner.
And , keep the Board in a warm place. A cold board is difficult to draw on. As i said previously, I bought a student's Art Case from WH Smith's and ( inside its supplied bag) it is kept in this.

Allen Tipton[/u]

Thanks Allen, you have been a great help.
It's a relief to know you don't have to order special pens for it as it's something I feel I would be using quite frequently.

Can these work with left handers? - i.e. draw with left hand and hold board with right hand.

I've seen adverts for 'mini' version - does anyone have this version? - and if so, how big is the board? I'm concerned about audience number limitations.

Thanks

Be careful with markers. The ones that erase well from our boards are Expo2 (also called Expo Low Odor). The company changed the name on them but they are the same Marker. They eraser from our plastic well because they are alcohol based markers. Do NOT use regular standard Expo makers because they are Keytone based and will stain the plastic (even though they are still dry eraser makers). If you use other boards like the Staples brand or Office Depot brand test it first. Always wipe off the board after your show (don't leave a face drawn on it to last 2 months).

The Magic Drawing Board is a great prop and I'm glad to hear so many are using it in your shows! I'll see you at Blackpool and also at S. Tyneside Magic conventions this year.

Ax

Thanks for all this , does anyone know where I can buy the Axtell one in London uk? The large one, or online in UK? To avoid the postage from the US. They sound like a great company just really need to keep costs down as quite new to kids magic. Second hand also appreciated.
Thanks
DA

see for sale section at magicweek.co.uk