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I've been using a home made add a number pad for ages and thought I'd invest in something a little classier. I'm thinking either the El Duce one or the Basil Horowitz pad. Anyone used either of these? Any opinions much appreciated.

Why not just continue using a homemade pad? They're bound to look far less conspicuous.

Granted, I'm still rather young (and subsequently poor) and can't say I've been using them for "ages" (unless three years counts), but they've worked fine for me!

RobLaughter wrote:Why not just continue using a homemade pad? They're bound to look far less conspicuous.

Granted, I'm still rather young (and subsequently poor) and can't say I've been using them for "ages" (unless three years counts), but they've worked fine for me!

Very true words, but....When working with a large crowd it's nice to have the pad thrown to the final person for adding without the magi getting his grubby little hands on it. The you know whats in the two I mention above make this possible. Whilst it's possible of course to add this function to a home made one it would be a pain to do and would be a lot more trouble than earning the money to buy one!

If that's what you're after, have you considered the Jerry O'Connell version? I have that, and it's a nice piece of work. The El Duco one doesn't look so nice, but the reset is hugely easier. It's a Post-It note holder, rather than a pad.

I haven't seen the Horwitz one, so I can't comment on it.

I recommend the Carlyle version. Homemade but really, really clever

DrTodd wrote:I recommend the Carlyle version. Homemade but really, really clever

I've heard about this version. My original assumption was that it sounded like an idea I've used from "Practical Mental Magic" of switching back to the original numbers after the adder has done his job and Nail writing in the force number so the spectators can see their numbers. Simplistic but it's worked for me
Would you recomend Carlyle's E-book?

horwitz is lovely and matches the wallet for style and "content"...but in my eyes, wouldnt suit people unless they are dressed in a nice suit...thats why i dont use 'em anymore...scruffy g*t that i am...

jon riggs has a great idea for one...

and the carlyle one is wondeful too...

A Golden Rule of Mentalism Avoid Using Anything That Looks Like a "Prop!"

Mentalism is a KINDRED art allied to the greater family we know as "Magic" and one of its strongest elements is the psychological approach that makes it "real" and less "trick-like"

I've invested thousands of dollars on effect systems that I ended up not using because they looked to corny and too much like a magic trick vs. something paranormal and enchanting. More so than magic, we must evaluate the tools we choose to use and why in that they all help define who we are as the thespian... let me explain.

I'm in the process of an evolution for my Mystery Dinner Theater services & related character. I'm going so far as to make shirts, slacks, etc. that are of the 1890s era, I now sport a unique set of "Pork Chops" on my face and have my hair growing out. I'm even working with a local machinist in making a custom wheelchair that looks like the Victorian era wicker-back chairs (complete with chain drive action, etc.)

All of these things are "props" but they are props that punctuate the image which in turn allows me to guide the audience back in time; that they may experience how the parlor musings of the past where presented, etc. Now, if I were to toss in a commercial item (straight off the shelf) such as a BIP Book or translucent Buma Board I'd destroy the psychological illusion I've spent time and money trying to create e.g. the solution as it were, is to keep things extremely simple; the Fowler Force Pad arrangement is bloody simple but has proven itself time and again because it is an innocent looking device vs. some kind of fancy contraption. What you need to ask yourself is, will this version work best to what I'm out to accomplish?

In an Add A No routine I've done the numbering was all secret; I had a small envelope inside of which was a small pencil and an index card. I'd hand it to one person have them write a number, they'd pass it on to anyone they choose, etc. after about 5 numbers are recorded, the card replaced within the envelope each time so as to prevent all but those involved from seeing the numbers... the envelope would be sealed, held by a small clip for all to see... a few other bits would be done with other members of the group and in so doing a value discovered... I ask someone from the group to remove the envelope, all the random numbers and the total made matches the information associated with my previous actions... the sum being a "premonition" of sorts.

This set-up can be easily modified to meet whatever it is you may be wanting to accomplish but the force comes about in a very clean, unsuspected manner... I'll give you a hint as to how and where this comes from... the same routine can be done with a HIMBER Wallet.

Ted Lesleys The Working Performers Switchpad in Paramiracles is a easy method of creating your own pad that is signed by a spectator.

ed crawford wrote:

DrTodd wrote:I recommend the Carlyle version. Homemade but really, really clever

I've heard about this version. My original assumption was that it sounded like an idea I've used from "Practical Mental Magic" of switching back to the original numbers after the adder has done his job and Nail writing in the force number so the spectators can see their numbers. Simplistic but it's worked for me
Would you recomend Carlyle's E-book?

No need to NW...I can highly recommend this...I would recommend buying the Butter Tub Prediction, which gives you the add a number pad idea plus much more. I agree with Craig, if you are adding up numbers, why do you need a special leather pad? Spiral bound notebook is best.

No need to NW...I can highly recommend this...I would recommend buying the Butter Tub Prediction, which gives you the add a number pad idea plus much more. I agree with Craig, if you are adding up numbers, why do you need a special leather pad? Spiral bound notebook is best.

I couldn't agree more, the leather pad could be seen entirely as a prop. Lets be honest, who's carried a leather pad since the yuppies of the 80's?
My ultimate ambition is to have a single spiral bound pad that can be used for both the duplication methods I use and as an add a number pad. I have the dupication methods sorted in the one pad (and yes, I do need two different methods within the same performance as one produces completely different results to the other) but at present I can see no way of integrating the number pad.
My main interest in the various leather pads that are on the market comes down to the fact I want the pad tossed from one end of the room to the other. I've spent a fair amount of time playing with various glues and magnets and rubber bands to come up with a method of doing this with a spiral bound pad and so far no joy. Thats why my attentions have moved towards the marketed pads, mainly to see if anything can be adapted to my purposes. I'll definately have a look at the Carlyle pad/prediction, I love a good headline prediction!

also, regardless of "proppiness", the el duco pad uses postit note pads and is quite fragile, tossing it out to the audience caused me a VERY bad evening.

In my opinion, the nice pad/spiral pad thing is yet another example of the concept of 'fit'. If a prop suits you as a performer, and the type of effect you are doing, it's OK.

I've seen a certain well-known mentalist (intials M S) using a leather-bound pad, and I don't think anyone in the audience batted an eye. Incidentally, his perfromance was quite brilliant, with a number of clever subtleties. I've not named names, because I don't want to run the risk of blowing the effect if anyone Googles his name.

I think my favourite add a number routine is the one Max Maven does in 'Nothing'. Yep, I have two add a number pads, and I will quite possibly never use either, but never say never, eh?