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gymguy203 wrote:is the glass prediction box hard to perform? Can someone who is new to magic be able to perform it fast or are there certain requirements that u need to fufill

If you are a working pro, difficulty shouldn't be a problem. If I see something I know I want to, and am going to perform, difficulty only determines how much practise I'm going to put it.

Your obviously desperate for this effect, or at least to know how this effect is done. If you buy the $75 version, please realise that it may not be the same method as you've seen on TV etc, but if you play it well, the audience will not see a difference.

gymguy203 wrote:but if the MPS is so similar to the glass prediction, then why is the price so vast in difference
?

They are similar effects, but they are not so similar. Think of it like the difference between floating a matchstick above a playing card and floating your glamorous assistant in the middle of a stage. In one sense, exactly the same effect (defying the law of gravity), but a different practical application.

A more appropriate analogy might be sawing a woman in half. P.T. Selbit's version (actually sawing through a woman, which is different) just used a wooden crate. Compare that to David Copperfield's buzzsaw effect.

The basic prediction effect you are interested in is: Prediction is made and sealed in another object. Three things are chosen. Sealed prediction is opened and found to be correct.

There are lots of ways of doing that basic effect. Some are more expensive than others. Here's the catch: the most expensive versions are not necessarily the best from the audience's point of view, and are not always suitable for every performer.

gymguy203 wrote:is the glass prediction box hard to perform? Can someone who is new to magic be able to perform it fast or are there certain requirements that u need to fufill

Method & Materials are a big thing here and I can assure you that this version requires some very special materials that are very expensive to have manufactured. You also have the time it takes for Doug & and his crew to assemble said device, the advertising costs, etc.

If I were you I'd start with the Corinda version and start doing research on the basic idea found in this effect, researching it and learning all you can about the various versions that exist -- ACTUALLY LEARN ABOUT IT rather than striving to learn about how one version of it works or owning it just because you can get your hands on the cash to do so.

Magic like this is priced so as to keep it out of the hands of the wannabes and curious George types and accessible to the working professionals. You may think that's wrong or cruel but when you are in the position to demand thousands of dollars a show, your patrons expect you to be able to deliver something more than they saw at the local High School talent show.

On the other hand, if you actually do some leg work and learn about this type of effect you may, in the process, develop your own version and in time, justify producing it as a commercial effect that sells for thousands of dollars that some whinny kid will be complaining about on line because people are telling him he's not ready for it.

the corinda version is in his book right? If I am just starting to do some mentalism would that book be the right one to start with? Should I buy the glass box and the book at the same time?

Im sorry to laugh and please note it is not at you, but rather in that i personally dont think you should be trying to perform any mental effects without reading THAT book. It is the basis of all mentalist type effects.
I can understand you wanting to purchase an effect becuase it will do ........... to your performance, but honestly......... i would say invest the cost of the effect into purchasing books.

You dont seem to realise how lucky you are......... your young, and able to have ten, even fifteen years of experience and practice before you are at the stage where you can look at this as a big career, you actually have the chance to make it, IF you listen to people who are trying their best to guide and help you. I wish i had your youth and time to get to a standard you will be able to achieve if you allow it.
Think of the great tennis players, they started training young........ and thats the point TRAINING, not at wimbledon at aged 10, but training so that when theri time would come they would be S^%T hot at it !

Please please listen to those offereing advice, i know i for one would kill (well maim) to have the opportunity laid out in front of you.

Fairie x

I can only agree with Fairie, read Craigs guide to mentalism and purchase the book. It will see you through at least 6 monthes of practising and performing and then maybe move on to something bigger, like the box.

gymguy203 wrote:the corinda version is in his book right? If I am just starting to do some mentalism would that book be the right one to start with? Should I buy the glass box and the book at the same time?

Forget about the box for now. For a start, you might actually not like mentalism, and will be stuck with a (moderately) expensive prop.

You might also be terrible at mentalism, with much the same result.

I will point out (I'm just ripping off Bob Cassidy) that 13 Steps is not essential mentalism reading, because you could look at other sources for each stage, and get a much better understanding. It is, however, the most convenient place to start, and can't be beaten for the price.

are there any other books that i should not live without
?

Once you have read and practiced principles in 13 steps etc, you will know what type of books to get as you will se what aspects of mentalism interest you and what books will help you get there.

Fairie x

gymguy203 wrote:are there any other books that i should not live without
?

See my chewing of your hind-side in the MENTALISM thread

Oh for heavens sake buy the friggin box, you want it, you know it, your magic dealer will love you for it. Does not matter that the smartest thing you can do at the moment is follow Mr. Brownings advise.