Topic: Spirit Bell - Question

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Posted by: scooter3333 (Dec 17, 2011 11:35am)

I am looking to purchase a spirit bell - something aged, that would fit in best to small parlor settings/intimate. I particularly like the Dead Ringer - especially due to the glass bell that allows everyone to see the clapper moving. I think that adds so much - there is no doubt as to how the sound is being produced. I do have a couple questions for those that own it however. In the web videos it shows the bell hanging much closer to the base than in some of the promo shots. I feel it is much more deceptive hanging as high above the base as possible. So how high can it be hung? Also - can it be controlled enough to differentiate between 1 ring and 2 rings, as most of the videos show "mulitple" ringing.
Lastly, if anyone wants to weigh in with any other suggestions, it would be much appreciated. I am also open to negotiating for a "used" spirit bell if someone has a spare. The magic auction sites don't have any listings that I have seen. PM me if appropriate.
Thanks so much!

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Posted by: Sandstar (Dec 17, 2011 11:52am)

I have owned several different bells going all the way back to the 70's, though not Dead Ringer. IMO Outlaw's The Departed is the best there is.

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Posted by: willowtaylor (Dec 17, 2011 12:07pm)

My suggestion is of course biassed, but when considering a spirit bell, an over looked factor is how "normal" looking the bell is. For example, Death Toll is an every-day looking wood and brass counter bell that can be aged or left new looking. The bell's dome can be removed to retrieve a prediction or to show an inscription inside the dome to "accidentally prove" it is an ordinary bell. It is radio controlled and you can see the plunger fall on its own when triggered. You can ring it repeatedly. http://www.taylorimagineering.com/products/death-toll.php

All the best,

Christopher

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Posted by: Wizard of Oz (Dec 17, 2011 1:38pm)

I own Dead Ringer, The Departed, and Nick Wenger's Spirit Bell...I would not get rid of any of them...hence, why I have 2 more than I will ever use.
All three are great for different reasons.

Dead Ringer is marvelous for the reasons you describe...it's crystal, which ads to the innocence of the prop and wipes away any suspicion of gimmickry.

The Departed ( http://www.outlaw-effects.com/store/golden-gun/the-departed.html ) ranks high because of the sincere creep factor. It is so easy to bring this prop into character because of the "exposure" that totally leads the spectator down the wrong path. And, it begins with a knocking and ends with a ringing...which is a one-two punch that never fails to get goose-bumps.

Then, there is Nick Wenger's Spirit Bell ( https://www.bobkohlermagic.com/view-product.cfm?productID=61 ). Another top-of-the-line bell because of it's simplicity and archaic design, but also because it can be assembled by the spectator. Yes...assembled by the spectator. Brilliant.

But please, don't buy something that looks like this... http://www.stevensmagic.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=88_42&products_id=113039 There have been many modern-looking bells created over time, by some very reputable magic creators...and in my humble opinion, they don't cut it. Why would a performer use a prop where an audience may ultimately suspect that technology is at work...and have the prop look sleek, modern, and scientific? It makes absolutely no sense. All 3 bells that I am recommending realistically look like they come from an era gone by, which immediately reduces suspicion of there being any modern technology at work.

So you see, you have no choice but to buy all 3. ;)

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Posted by: Sandstar (Dec 17, 2011 2:42pm)

I owned Wenger's Bell. It is a wonderful electronic creation. At first I loved it. But the more I worked with it, the more I began to question the purpose for the thing. It looked like it was meant to look old, but there were some small elements about it that just didn't look old. And I couldn't age them. The spectator would see those elements as he/she put it together. This bothered me more and more as I contemplated performing it. Then another question: If it was an old artifact, why was it originally created? What was it used for? And is that believable? Of course, suggestions come from the maker and I came up with a story. But nothing felt quite right. I appreciated the craftsmanship so much that I hated to sell it, but I did. For me it was a wonderful collector's piece. But my collection is too large as it is. So I bought The Departed and I couldn't be happier. As Wizard said, there is apparent "exposure" that leads the audience down a wrong line. When the bell and ball operate the creep factor is gigantic. The story for its original creation is logical and believable and adds to the creep. Every inch of it looks a hundred years old from all angles. From my own experience the audience reaction is fantastic. It can be used close up as well as on stage. A big advantage. I agree with wizard. Whatever you do, don't buy a bell such as the one from Stevens Magic.

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Posted by: TH1 (Dec 17, 2011 11:05pm)

All the the items named are great (and I own most of them) -- except for the already called out abomination at Stevens (seriously, what is that creator thinking???). But, for something a bit different, and incredibly creepy, consider Outlaw's Death Came Knocking. It is one of my favorite pieces.

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Posted by: Godzilla (Dec 17, 2011 11:14pm)

"My,what a big knocker"

Sorry,just put me in the thought of "Young Frankenstein" :)

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Posted by: Jon W. (Dec 17, 2011 11:41pm)

To answer your question about how high the Dead Ringer can be hung, I can say that factor is probably my only con to the bell. I own the product and find it to be great in its looks and sound especially for intimate settings like you mentioned. I don't have it hung quite as high as I'd like but I can say its impact is so effective nonetheless that I do not care in the long run. I would recommend it to anyone.

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Posted by: Wizard of Oz (Dec 17, 2011 11:54pm)

TH1...Yes! Death Came Knocking is on my want list. It looks awesome, and so easy to weave a story around. Now if I can just make it through the holidays without spending all of my disposable income, I may have enough to give myself a gift...knock on wood...

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Posted by: Damon Reinbold (Dec 18, 2011 2:42am)

Death Came Knocking is my favorite followed by Dead Rap. I have used it with Phantoms since it first came out and in my money it is the best.

the best,
Damon

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Posted by: rjenkins (Dec 18, 2011 7:12am)

If you want something far less expensive that you can make yourself for under $40, and which you can hang from any height, and you can make look as antique or modern as you want. there's my one at http://magicnook.com/Magi-tronics/MT01-04RCSpiritBell.htm with an accompanying video. The principle it uses is different from any commercial one, as far as I know.

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Posted by: scooter3333 (Dec 18, 2011 9:23am)

Thank you so much everyone. You have confirmed what I was thinking - that I really need something that looks "organic" to the time - more of a "found" item, deceptive in it's simplicity, with no visible link to to modern technology. I do not see the appeal of the new bells on the plexi stands in the least. I had feared that the dead ringer appears to hang a little to close to the base to be foolproof. I am aware of the "build it yourself" version for under $40, and appreciate its different technique, but in a very close up intimate setting with some level of light there is always the concern that a sitter will touch the device or the "different" method will fail, rendering the bell useless. Thanks to Wizard of Oz, as I took another look at the Departed and am starting to really like the idea, though it seemed a little big of a contraption when compared to a simple glass bell for a tabletop. Yet it looks fantastic in its detail. Also thanks to TH1 for the Death Came Knocking call out. I had never seen it and it is interesting when I took a look. Can't decide if it's a little too much like a Halloween Prop though.
So I've narrowed down to Dead Ringer and Departed with everyone's help. I will check back on the post if there are more thoughts...again, thank you!
As an aside - I felt as a communication device, that spirit bells in general are a little more effective than spirit lamps, due to the startling nature of the sound, so I had discounted going with a spirit lamp. Any different thoughts on this??

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Posted by: carlwag (Dec 18, 2011 9:45am)

Go with departed its awesome IMHO.

Good luck with your new purchase.

Carl.

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Posted by: rjenkins (Dec 18, 2011 5:29pm)

Absolutely - people who do their seances under strong lights should not use my spirit bell!

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Posted by: Godzilla (Dec 18, 2011 10:23pm)

All,of this talk about Outlaw lately has got me all exited...
I just ordered 'The Departed' for a Christmas present for me! :)
And,I could give a Fly'n Rats Patootie about how long it takes to get...
Because I'm getting her! LOL

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Posted by: jamiesalinas (Dec 19, 2011 1:24am)

Now to add to the list, I have the SM board and although it is a lot more expensive, I love the bell that it came with and has a lot more functionality. You could also go lower in price with the Hobbs Box that is multifunction as well. The height of the hanging bell is pretty good on my SM board.

Jamie

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Posted by: afinemesh (Dec 19, 2011 12:02pm)

Quote:

So I've narrowed down to Dead Ringer and Departed with everyone's help.

The Departed. My favorite outlaw effect that I can't afford. It would be my choice had I the cash!

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Posted by: Spellbinder (Dec 19, 2011 3:19pm)

Not exactly bizarre, unless you feel Santa and his Elves are in that category, is the new Santa's Magic Jingle Bell (from The Wizards' Journal #22 on my site). A Christmas jingle bell is chosen by a spectator and dropped into a small glass, which is then covered with a larger glass, isolating it ( and making it possible to perform close up and under bright lights). The little bell jingles on command, same as the expensive versions, but this comes from the Dollar Store. While my version is manual (no batteries needed), it can actually be electrified by using rjenkins' Radio Controlled Spirit Bell mechanism (also on my site) for those times when you want to put some distance between yourself and the glass. Some routines are included for Christmas use and for all purpose (but non-seance) magic.

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Posted by: scooter3333 (Dec 21, 2011 12:05pm)

Thanks to all who gave input. It gave me a few perspectives and things to consider that I may have missed. I'm thinking for price vs. functionality, and being a little more multi-purpose, that Hobb's Box might be just the ticket. I would have never happened upon that thought if it were not for all of you! THanks again!

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Posted by: Wizard of Oz (Dec 21, 2011 8:47pm)

Hobbs Box is a great choice, and I'm sorry I didn't think broader in my recommendations. With Hobbs Box, or any other Outlaw spirit board-type apparatus, you get the bell + the opportunity to do soooooo much more. And nothing is more innocent than a rickety box, and an old metal bell.
Enjoy.

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Posted by: Tony Razzano (Dec 21, 2011 9:03pm)

Unlike most, if not all, others, death Toll is not tied to a box nor does it need to be placed on a special board. it can even be held by the spectators when it is ringing, if you so choose. To me, it is the most versatile of all. Also, all can see the plunger fall as the bell rings, just as though a spirit entity were ringing the bell.

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Posted by: Roth (Dec 21, 2011 9:26pm)

Thanks scooter3333 for the order. The Hobbs Box is a great utility prop. Holds the bell, books, tarot cards, etc.

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Posted by: Godzilla (Dec 22, 2011 12:34am)

[quote]
On 2011-12-21 21:03, Tony Razzano wrote:
it can even be held by the spectators when it is ringing, if you so choose.

I would be afraid to have her hold the bell while ringing!
I am afraid she would throw it through the ceiling! :)
Or worse,upside my head! LOL

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Posted by: scooter3333 (Dec 22, 2011 11:14am)

Final update - ordered Hobb's box. I think it is the best of all world's considering it's cross purpose functionality. Got a great plan for the engraving and backstory also. I can't wait, and outlaw has been EXCEEDINGLY helpful in nailing down my decision!
I'm now actually curious as to other uses that this great group of minds can come up with for the box. I'm going to post a new topic to pick everyone's brains again...
Thanks to all...

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Posted by: Lucien Astor (Dec 22, 2011 11:51am)

I figured, since I am taking my bell to a solstice gig tonight, I would show it off on this thread about bells.

It is an Adipocerian Augury. Adipocere, or grave wax, is formed when, under certain conditions, the lipids and fats in the body turn into a waxy substance that preserves the shape of the body. Adipocere is used in certain necromantic recipes found in some of the darker grimoires. In the adjunct pages of the Munich Manual ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Munich_Manual_of_Demonic_Magic ), there is a recipe for an Adipocerian Augury (called in that book a Hand of Saul). It involves using the left hand of a corpse that has transformed into adipocere as a tool for communicating with the dead. The hand of someone killed by violent death was preferable. A bell was slipped ove the finger, and when focused will applied, on could almost swear the finger was twitching...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxLPJhimJ-U

I like passing my hand around and having people feel the waxy disgustingness of it before I explain about adipocere.

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Posted by: Tony Razzano (Dec 26, 2011 12:46pm)

[quote]
On 2011-12-22 00:34, Godzilla wrote:

Quote:

On 2011-12-21 21:03, Tony Razzano wrote:
it can even be held by the spectators when it is ringing, if you so choose.

I would be afraid to have her hold the bell while ringing!
I am afraid she would throw it through the ceiling! :)
Or worse,upside my head! LOL

Neither would I!!! :)

Just pointing out the versatility.

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Posted by: Godzilla (Jan 15, 2012 12:41am)

Hey Tony,
Just got departed today... :)
You may not have been aware of this,Departed is a 'SUCKER' effect! hehehe
I added a new post about her!

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Posted by: markthorold (Jan 15, 2012 3:52am)

I'd love to see the tube clip but you have to sign in to view Lucien .
Mark

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Posted by: Lucien Astor (Jan 15, 2012 6:04pm)

Quote:

On 2012-01-15 03:52, markthorold wrote:
I'd love to see the tube clip but you have to sign in to view Lucien .
Mark

Here you go Mark http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxLPJhimJ-U&list=UUvXsubtjsYR3gTc3oZZOjhg&index=1&feature=plcp

I got to use it to great effect this weekend. I was doing things for groups of 1,2 and 3 throughout the evening. I did some Living/Dead Tests, asked participants to visualize the individual standing behing them so vividly that the hairs on the back of their neck stood up...and to touch their pointer finger to the finger of the bell. When the bell rang at that moment, people screamed :)

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Posted by: TH1 (Jan 15, 2012 6:17pm)

Quote:

On 2012-01-15 18:04, Lucien Astor wrote:
Quote:

On 2012-01-15 03:52, markthorold wrote:
I'd love to see the tube clip but you have to sign in to view Lucien .
Mark

Here you go Mark http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxLPJhimJ-U&list=UUvXsubtjsYR3gTc3oZZOjhg&index=1&feature=plcp

I got to use it to great effect this weekend. I was doing things for groups of 1,2 and 3 throughout the evening. I did some Living/Dead Tests, asked participants to visualize the individual standing behing them so vividly that the hairs on the back of their neck stood up...and to touch their pointer finger to the finger of the bell. When the bell rang at that moment, people screamed :)

Ummmm....that was awesome! Thanks for sharing the video clip. Great concept.

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Posted by: Anverdi-museum (Jan 16, 2012 12:25am)

I have owned and used just about every Spirit Bell ever made including the wonderful Anverdi one. Below is a link to one of my own versions which is the one that I use because the noise is the loudest and the bell actually moves when the striker hits. Throughout the years I have built all shapes, colors, sizes, etc.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OM1xSfVFY-o

Chuck Caputo

www.freewebs.com/caputocollection/

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Posted by: Lucien Astor (Jan 16, 2012 5:23pm)

Quote:

Ummmm....that was awesome! Thanks for sharing the video clip. Great concept.

Thanks TH1. Having their finger touch the dead hand's finger when the bell rings means they are so close that threads are not a possibility. Plus, the idea of a hand that has turned to adipocere is just vile and disgusting, raising the creep factor considerabley from a plain spirit bell imho. Everyone actually asks, slowly, with hesitation and uncertainty in their eyes, if it is "Real".

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Posted by: markthorold (Jan 16, 2012 6:12pm)

Managed to view the clip . lovely effect . The hand is an excellent touch .Many thanks for the link .Ill be googling "adipocere" so Im fully conversant with it .
Mark

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Posted by: markthorold (Jan 16, 2012 6:19pm)

OH WOW....thats me enthused ....

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Posted by: Roslyn (Jan 16, 2012 6:35pm)

Lucien, I really like your bell. Very, very cool! The hand as it is wouldn't fit my act... But I do love the idea.

I've actually been pondering on the Hobbs Box myself. I love the fact it can hold other bits and bobs (Rick, I've not forgotten our conversation before Christmas. I've been re-thinking my idea slightly and will be emailing you about it soon.).

If anyone has any other pros or cons regarding the Hobbs Box, including the use of the little dolls hand, please do post here or drop me a pm if you think that more appropriate. I don't want to get too off topic.

My thoughts for the box are to use in a parlour type situation. So opinions on the volume of the bell etc.. would be especially useful.

Cheers,

Ros

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Posted by: Lucien Astor (Jan 16, 2012 6:48pm)

I use the Spiritus with mine...the bell is very loud, and at this weekends performance I could trigger it from the bar, which was two rooms away...and still hear it.

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Posted by: TH1 (Jan 16, 2012 7:09pm)

Quote:

On 2012-01-16 18:35, Roslyn wrote:
Lucien, I really like your bell. Very, very cool! The hand as it is wouldn't fit my act... But I do love the idea.

I've actually been pondering on the Hobbs Box myself. I love the fact it can hold other bits and bobs (Rick, I've not forgotten our conversation before Christmas. I've been re-thinking my idea slightly and will be emailing you about it soon.).

If anyone has any other pros or cons regarding the Hobbs Box, including the use of the little dolls hand, please do post here or drop me a pm if you think that more appropriate. I don't want to get too off topic.

My thoughts for the box are to use in a parlour type situation. So opinions on the volume of the bell etc.. would be especially useful.

Cheers,

Ros

The bell that comes with HB has a very good volume. In fact the bell itself appears to be the same one as the one that comes w/ SM (tho colored a bit differently)...as well as the one with The Departed (again, colored/aged a bit differently). However, the stand for the HB bell is much smaller, and it hangs directly from a bent metal bar. In contrast, the SM bell hangs from a taller wooden stand via a chain (bell bottom/clapper is still about same height from the board/box as the HB bell). I prefer the eerie sway one gets from the SM bell stand. Outlaw appears to sell the SM style bell-and-stand separately -- the DarkBoard page says "We will offer a spirit bell and stand accessorie in the $20-$30 dollar range. Email me if you would like one." -- just confirm with Rick that it's the SM-style bell you want, rather than the HB-style bell.

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Posted by: Roslyn (Jan 16, 2012 7:15pm)

Thanks TH1,

I hadn't noticed the difference with the two bells. I agree that the little sway is much more eerie and makes the "ring" last longer due to the movement.

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Posted by: Wizard of Oz (Jan 16, 2012 8:58pm)

Lucien, that is soooooo delightfully creepy. I love the musical choice. I saw another thread here (too lazy to search right now) that had a link to it, and I'll definitely take the time now to track it down.

Great use of the hand as well. It's so nice to see creativity at work with these props. It gives me inspiration for more fully utilizing my Spiritus.

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Posted by: jgturpin (Jan 17, 2012 11:19am)

I also use the Spiritus from Outlaw Effects.... it has ALWAYS delivered. I normally wait for a spec to get really close to it, after about 8 or 9 minutes of patter, as use it as they inspect it. 9 times out of 10 they jump back about 10 feet.

You have to be careful though one time I almost caused a heart attack with it. =(

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Posted by: CesaralM (May 9, 2012 11:46am)

This is something new:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmK_lwWNHgw

Cesaral Spirit Bell (by Cesar Alonso)

Performers have long searched for the perfect Spirit Bell, and are still looking for it. There are some in the market, but many are useless, not practical, or the method is not clean enough. The Cesaral Spirit Bell is the result of many years of research in this field.

The Cesaral Spirit Bell can be used for every type of performance seances, mentalism, bizarre magic, and even comedy magic. You can use it in Question & Answer routines, as a Lie Detector, and as a communicator with lost loved ones. The possibilities are endless!

Important points:
� New self working method to make the Bell ring at the exact moment needed.
� The audience member holds the bell. The performer is far away.
� Clear, real�, good and loud bell ring
� Can be done anywhere, and surrounded
� You can make yourself the bell to look old if you want
� Real time electronically controlled more than 50 feet by you
� Also works completely hands-free
� No need for assistants as this is a one-man effect!

I hope it helps!

Cesar Alonso (Cesaral Magic)
www.cesaral.com

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Posted by: Van Helmont (May 9, 2012 11:56am)

Quote:

On 2012-05-09 11:46, CesaralM wrote:
This is something new:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmK_lwWNHgw

I hope it helps!

Cesar Alonso (Cesaral Magic)
http://www.cesaral.com

It sure looks promising!

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Posted by: rjenkins (May 9, 2012 12:10pm)

Since the thread came alive, I might perhaps mention that my DIY electronic version now exists in a form that allows it to be used close up and under any lighting.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YpvW5SfxAls

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Posted by: Wizard of Oz (May 9, 2012 8:30pm)

The Cesaral bell looks awesome!!!
Around $500 American by my calculations. Is it available now?

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Posted by: wa-na-be (May 12, 2012 8:26am)

I bought the plans to make my own spirit bell at the magic nook. Very easy to make either one that they have.

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Posted by: CesaralM (May 14, 2012 3:19pm)

Quote:

On 2012-05-09 20:30, Wizard of Oz wrote:
The Cesaral bell looks awesome!!!
Around $500 American by my calculations. Is it available now?

Yes, it is available now, and we are getting many orders. In my opinion it the best one ever done, and we are very proud of it.

Cesar Alonso (Cesaral Magic)
http://www.cesaral.com

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Posted by: hestonsmagic (May 16, 2012 6:51pm)

Quote:

On 2011-12-18 07:12, rjenkins wrote:
If you want something far less expensive that you can make yourself for under $40, and which you can hang from any height, and you can make look as antique or modern as you want. there's my one at http://magicnook.com/Magi-tronics/MT01-04RCSpiritBell.htm with an accompanying video. The principle it uses is different from any commercial one, as far as I know.

Thank you for posting this. I orded the instructions today and should be building by the weekend!

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Posted by: JL608 (May 18, 2012 11:26pm)

FedEx delivered my Cesaral Spirit Bell this morning, and I've just had a chance to look at the online instructions and try it out.

It's absolutely amazing.

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Posted by: Slim King (May 19, 2012 12:57am)

I'm having one made. I've never considered this before so we will see how it goes.

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Posted by: Godzilla (May 19, 2012 1:48am)

Quote:

On 2012-05-19 00:57, Slim King wrote:
I'm having one made. I've never considered this before so we will see how it goes.

You need a phone that rings on command!!! :)

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Posted by: Slim King (May 19, 2012 12:26pm)

Quote:

On 2012-05-19 01:48, Godzilla wrote:
Quote:

On 2012-05-19 00:57, Slim King wrote:
I'm having one made. I've never considered this before so we will see how it goes.

That would be crazy !!!!

You need a phone that rings on command!!! :)

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Posted by: Tony Iacoviello (May 19, 2012 12:44pm)

Dave, pick up and watch Francis Menotti's DVD Treachery of Tricks. Just watch DVD 2, the performance (with commentary, and video essays).
I had the pleasure of working with him, he was the highlight of the night.

For those in the Quatermass Project, in my interview with Black, he reveals some interesting information on spirit bells (no gimmick or contact). Well, at least I found it interesting.

Tony

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Posted by: Slim King (May 19, 2012 12:47pm)

Ok Tony .... I'm on it!

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Posted by: JL608 (May 22, 2012 11:48am)

I've received a few PMs asking about the new Cesaral Spirit Bell.

Although I've just started "playing" with the bell, I'm extremely impressed. It looks exactly like an old time school bell with wooden handle. You can look into the bell at the clapper and all appears completely innocent.

It's amazing (to me at least) that it can work the way it does. I can't think of any other bell that allows the spectator to hold it while it rings on command. The only one I remember was an import from Europe that had a sound gimmick built in, but that was usually used for a comedy routine...and you definitely couldn't allow them to look inside the bell!

By the way, the remote operation is really well thought out. There are (5) different commands. You could have an immediate single ring, have it ring repeatedly, or have it ring once on either a 5-10 second delay. The last command sets off a series of timed rings, so you could hit the button while in your pocket and be hands free. Very clever.

I would hang the bell from a simple wire stand and begin that way, before removing and letting someone hold it.

I also know from past experience that Cesaral's effects are always very well made, and his customer service is terrific.

Hope this helps!

Joe

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Posted by: CesaralM (May 24, 2012 2:35pm)

Quote:

On 2012-05-22 11:48, JL608 wrote:
I've received a few PMs asking about the new Cesaral Spirit Bell.

Although I've just started "playing" with the bell, I'm extremely impressed. It looks exactly like an old time school bell with wooden handle. You can look into the bell at the clapper and all appears completely innocent.

It's amazing (to me at least) that it can work the way it does. I can't think of any other bell that allows the spectator to hold it while it rings on command. The only one I remember was an import from Europe that had a sound gimmick built in, but that was usually used for a comedy routine...and you definitely couldn't allow them to look inside the bell!

By the way, the remote operation is really well thought out. There are (5) different commands. You could have an immediate single ring, have it ring repeatedly, or have it ring once on either a 5-10 second delay. The last command sets off a series of timed rings, so you could hit the button while in your pocket and be hands free. Very clever.

I would hang the bell from a simple wire stand and begin that way, before removing and letting someone hold it.

I also know from past experience that Cesaral's effects are always very well made, and his customer service is terrific.

Hope this helps!

Joe

Thanks for your review! I am very glad that you like this new Bell.

I have done for one customer a special treatment to make it look really old. Find attached a picture so that you can see how it looks like. The wooden handle also looks really old (not in the picture). So...the same mechanism inside different bodies.

I hope this helps

Cesar Alonso (Cesaral Magic)

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Posted by: CesaralM (May 29, 2012 7:43am)

Here is a link of a live real performance at San Simon Island.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdhbzctnWiA

It was a very magical and funny presentation

I hope it gives ideas...

Cesar Alonso (Cesaral Magic)

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Posted by: CesaralM (May 31, 2012 7:53am)

Here is a demo video of the old looking "Cesaral Spirit Bell"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wg8GJkBR2vw

I hope it helps

Cesar Alonso (Cesaral Magic)

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Posted by: MentalistCreationLab (May 31, 2012 9:12pm)

I hope I got the right spirit bell thread. There are a few going at the moment.

Here's a spirit bell that no one seems to mention these days Campana di Filippo A Kinetic Spirit Bell by Alain Bellon from 2005. This is one of many personal favorites unfortunately I believe its no longer available.

Here is a photo to another type of spirit bell that is seldom seen.

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa120/bllmontana/hangingghostbell.jpg

This style of bell of which there are several styles, the one shown here the bells are on thin hemp cord. This style of apparatus is used during a ghost hunt or a seance as an early audible detection of a spirit entering the room. It is a very nice psychological tool although a paranormal one and it can be used with other bells as well. Kinda helps out with the problem of �why did he bring an old bell? I thought this was a s�ance!�

Now the real questions as I see when it comes down to using spiritualists devices such as spirit bells is do you want gaffed, psychological or impromptu?

The bell from Alain Bellon is gaffed. However it is 100 percent examinable before and after the seance is as clean as they come. Never been busted using that wonderful bell. Mainly its very hard for a layperson to know its diabolical secret. Its so cool I wont even dare post a photo of what it looks like. Either you know what it is or you don't. It is as simple as that. I probably said to much by giving you the name of the bell to begin with. However that said, Bellon should be mentioned if for no other reason than documentation of historic spirit bell creators and or manufactures.

Now when it comes to impromptu and psychological bells that use only the simple objects to construct by the participant or a standard hand bell, two other works also come to my mind and that is my Time of Departure and the Bell from Hell. Both impromptu and use either household items or a standard hand bell. The second one is my favorite for only the person whom you are working with will hear its ring and is about as paranormal as it gets in those sort of occasions.

The next question that comes to mind is the cost some bells. Some spirit bells in my opinion are way too high for what your getting. Although there are a few higher end bells worth the money Outlaw Effects, Taylor Engineering and the Door Knocker are just a few off the top of my head that are worthy and rather fun. As for the Door Knocker I will probably be adding one of those to the personal collection in the near future after seeing one in action whom a friend of mine who owns. Had a few doubts about it till I saw one in action. Although it may not be the best bell ever made in my mind its worth its salt nevertheless and would make a nice addition to my collection of spirit bells.

Here is a short list some other types of spirit bells that can be made for a fraction of the cost as some of the higher end bells.

The bells I am going to mention next are also great place to start if your unsure if the spirit bell thing is for you or if you just cannot spend the big money on some of the higher end spirit bells. So if price is an issue or your new to the spirit bell thing here are few others that are very good spirit bells for the money and of low cost, besides mine that is. Some good examples of low cost build it yourself quality bells can be found form Jolyon Jenkins who has the instructions to build your own over at the Magic Nook for a fiver each. By the way I am a big fan of the stuff that Jenkins has been putting out and have built much of it and it works better than I could have imaged and just for a few twenties or less in parts you can build several nice things. Best of all if you do not like the Jenkins design as it is rater basic for explanatory reasons you can make it to fit your personal tastes by doing a few tricks such as aging the platforms up a bit. Aging does not take that long or is not that hard to do.

I also want to point out another bell that can be found over at E. Raymond Carlyle place as its a great simple bell as well that most workers either ignore or do not know about. Real shame too since its one of the best glass bells ever created.

I do have a large private collection of spirit bells, its almost as large as my chair prediction collection. I wanted to also mention there are several hundred spirit bells that have been made over the years most of them are rare and very hard to find, some are gaffed some are not and a few are possessed and will ring by themselves. Some bells should not be played with as they are haunted artifacts. One in particular I thought was haunted turned out to be one of the sneakiest and best hidden gaffs I have ever seen. No really here are a couple of photos Can you tell how its gaffed?

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa120/bllmontana/100_1236.jpg

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa120/bllmontana/100_1233.jpg

What you are seeing in the above photos is the bell I mentioned a moment ago, it does not use any of the old methods, no ma***ts, thr**d, no se**nd b*lls or any of the other stuff. It so good I thought it was just simply put haunted for many years until one day....

Message:

Posted by: Mind illusionist (May 31, 2012 9:43pm)

Care to share how the gaff works then? lol

regards,
M.I.

Message:

Posted by: Balaram (May 31, 2012 9:46pm)

...down below, in another area, of course-

Message:

Posted by: Mind illusionist (May 31, 2012 10:17pm)

What he said :)

Message:

Posted by: MentalistCreationLab (May 31, 2012 11:22pm)

I do not think I will ever reveal how that bell works. I have never told anyone and not planing to tell anyone anytime soon either. One, they are very rare, two, its way to usable, and three, there are not that many around.Maybe or or two more that is all that were made. All that and a few other things make for a good bell that I can use that no one will ever figure out. I really like that concept. I allready published several of my bell effects but that gem of a bell one going down with me.A few magicians have seen it but they have no idea how it works. I almost didn't either untill.....

Message:

Posted by: Mind illusionist (May 31, 2012 11:48pm)

Gee thanks MCL, you really are nice to share with us and then snicker as we can never figure out this wonderful secret! :D

Message:

Posted by: Godzilla (Jun 1, 2012 12:21am)

Jordan,
Bill,can make you think you are hearing a Bell,when there is no Bell even there!

:)

Message:

Posted by: Mind illusionist (Jun 1, 2012 12:59am)

Quote:

On 2012-06-01 00:21, Godzilla wrote:
Jordan,
Bill,can make you think you are hearing a Bell,when there is no Bell even there!

:)

:o what magic is this!!?? LoL

Message:

Posted by: rjenkins (Jun 1, 2012 2:55am)

Quote:

Some good examples of low cost build it yourself quality bells can be found form Jolyon Jenkins who has the instructions to build your own over at the Magic Nook for a fiver each. By the way I am a big fan of the stuff that Jenkins has been putting out and have built much of it and it works better than I could have imaged and just for a few twenties or less in parts you can build several nice things. Best of all if you do not like the Jenkins design as it is rater basic for explanatory reasons you can make it to fit your personal tastes by doing a few tricks such as aging the platforms up a bit. Aging does not take that long or is not that hard to do.

Thank you - I'm really pleased people are building these things.
I see these plans largely as proof of concept. I take the idea and construct a prototype to the point where I am satisfied that it will work reliably. It's up to the end user to think creatively about how they want it to look, and often people come up with great ideas of their own.

Message:

Posted by: docsteve (Jun 1, 2012 1:53pm)

Completely off topic, but Jolyon are you presenting the R4 documentary on Monday on Muchhausenn's?!

Message:

Posted by: rjenkins (Jun 1, 2012 3:38pm)

Quote:

On 2012-06-01 13:53, docsteve wrote:
Completely off topic, but Jolyon are you presenting the R4 documentary on Monday on Muchhausenn's?!

Yes, that's me. My day job.