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haha...thank you once again seige for all that wonderful idea...but for godssakes folks...i mentioned earlier that i am aware of that...yes i know you can perform with a multicoloured bright TT and no one will notice as it all comes down to misdirection and blah blah blah....i was simply asking opinions on the finer details of things....

zigzag wrote:haha...thank you once again seige for all that wonderful idea...but for godssakes folks...i mentioned earlier that i am aware of that...yes i know you can perform with a multicoloured bright TT and no one will notice as it all comes down to misdirection and blah blah blah....i was simply asking opinions on the finer details of things....

And I gave you an opinon.

Why are you worrying about makeup if you are aware of the correct workings?

Your original question therefore becomes an enigma. Plus, my post was intended to put newcomers to TTs minds at ease—because it's mighty confusing when someone is waxing on about the need to paint your hands to match your TT.

again seige...no hardfeelings here but as i said it was just a small detail to worry about ....as insignificant as it might be to you, it might give me the added bit of secuirty which can even give me the added bit of confidence and the edge as a magician...anyways that being said i dont plan on powdering my hand anyways so....anyways next topic...

I was really surprised by TTs - and couldnt beleive that they would fool anyone. Is it really that simple?

I havent tried it out on anyone yet, cos I'm not feeling even 50% confident that I would fool anyone?

Please can anyone re-assure me that they work? Should I video myself doing a trick with one?

Rob

Rdw1971 wrote:I was really surprised by TTs - and couldnt beleive that they would fool anyone. Is it really that simple?

Well, yes and no. It's actually a mix of confidence and skill to keep the TT from detection. No matter how much 'makeup, powder' etc you use, the TT is after all a prosthetic. But, used correctly, you would be absolutely staggered how easy it is to get it by undetected—even RIGHT UNDER SOMEONE'S NOSE. I mean, literally a foot away from their face.

Rdw1971 wrote:I havent tried it out on anyone yet, cos I'm not feeling even 50% confident that I would fool anyone?

Well... confidence is everything with a TT. People who find 'false confidence' in using a TT which matches their skin exactly (or the odd few who match their skin to their TT ) are missing the point. The TT shouldn't really be noticed at all... let alone time enough for a spectator to closely examine the subtle difference between IT and your other 'real' thumb.

Keep the TT in motion, or at least, keep it out of sight. When not in use, don't have it loaded. Load it inconspicuously just before it's needed. Your hand's natural position when relaxed and facing the spectator literally hides the thumb anyway, try it.

Rdw1971 wrote:Please can anyone re-assure me that they work? Should I video myself doing a trick with one?

Yes, they do work. And you've probably been fooled by them more times than you know. In fact, you would actually be shocked at how many pro magicians rely on TTs. They aren't restricted to vanishing hankies or doing bill switches... they are invaluable in mentalism effects, PK effects, coin work and more.

And advice for 'training'... either get a spare TT and paint it white, or just put white tape around your current TT. Then, practice in front of a mirror. Or even, just walk around the house/shops/pub etc with the TT on, and try to NATURALLY hide it.

Remember: only YOU know it's there. It's impossible for you to make a judgement about a video or mirror view of yourself because you will be over-scrutinising the TT. To this end, use a mirror or video recording to analyse the angles at which the TT is out of view. THEN you can start to work out where to position your spectators or yourself to get the most advantage out of the natural concealment of the gimmick.

The quickest route to confidence is to succeed for your first time. Start with something simple, like a silk vanish and production. If you ditch the TT in your pocket carefully, then you can confidently show your hands to be 'clean' afterwards. AND you can do it with no sleeves!
Then, don't repeat it. No need to be THAT cocky. Just revel in the success of nobody suspecting that you are wearing a TT.

thanks, bit more practice and I'll try it on the current Mrs Rob

One last question, when I got mine on, my thumb looks longer than normal (ie, cant get a 'snug' fit). Is this normal? or do I need a larger TT (I bought the biggest I could find, but I got coal miners hands)


Thanks again
Rob

Rdw1971 wrote:thanks, bit more practice and I'll try it on the current Mrs Rob

One last question, when I got mine on, my thumb looks longer than normal (ie, cant get a 'snug' fit). Is this normal? or do I need a larger TT (I bought the biggest I could find, but I got coal miners hands)


Thanks again
Rob

The TT is DESIGNED to be bigger. The area inside (the Payload area) is large because of what you can stuff in there to conceal.

Many people have the misunderstanding that their TT should fit like a glove. However, it is perfectly normal for the TT to extend a half inch over the normal thumb length.

This allows banknotes, coins, silks, bands, streamers etc. to be hidden inside.

The 'fit' should be reasonably baggy. For bill switches for example, the folded bill sits on the pad of your thumb, and is practically sticking out of the TT.

My advice on fit is, so long as the TT fits comfortably over at least your thumb nail, it's OK. NEVER assume that the tip of your thumb should fit all the way into the TT.

Thanks again, I know they may seem simple questions, but the instructions that come with them are a bit vague


Cheers
Rob

As Seige has so comprehensively descirbed, a tip should not be offered up for viewing.

Generally the TT is a means to an end NOT the effect. By the time a spectator is looking anywhere near your hand the TT should be well hidden or indeed, gone, having done its job.

I cant tell you the number of times I have watched mentalism routines on DVD and had to go back to see it again because I was told (in the explainations section) that a TT was used! OK...I'm pretty thick but I gaurentee you that many mentalists are using off the shelf TTs and really worrying about perfect colour matches, let alone details like finger prints.

That might sound rich coming from me but for the majority of people those truths apply. Some performers want tips for specific and high risk effects or to give them the ultimate in confidence, I will then approach the issue of "perfect" matches but for most people (myself included on the whole) a bog-standard TT will serve you well if you practice.

If you're worried about being spotted, just wear one for an hour as you go about your daily business and just see how many people spot it. If you're handling it right (and it's not that hard to do) then you should get away with no questions asked.

defenitely worth it...and off the shelf TT will only set you back a couple of dollars...or pounds for you UK folk...so defenitely get one...how cna you go wrong