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scooter3333
New user
12 Posts
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Posted: 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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Sandstar
Loyal user
231 Posts
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Posted: 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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willowtaylor
V.I.P.
British Columbia Canada
1360 Posts
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Posted: 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
Click here to view attached image.
Christopher Taylor
Member P.E.A.
www.taylorimagineering.com
MAKING MENTALISM MORE IMPOSSIBLE
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Wizard of Oz
Inner circle
Most people wish I didn't have
1787 Posts
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Posted: 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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Sandstar
Loyal user
231 Posts
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Posted: 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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TH1
Veteran user
Zombies beware! I have your heads on
313 Posts
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Posted: 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.
Beware of evil spirits...and depleted batteries! 
TheHauntedOne.com
Assembly11.com
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Godzilla
Inner circle
Tied & Untied Witches on
2851 Posts
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Posted: Dec 17, 2011 11:14pm
"My,what a big knocker"
Sorry,just put me in the thought of "Young Frankenstein" 
"If you watch Godzilla backwards,it's about a big ass lizard who helps rebuild a half burnt-down city, then moonwalks back into the ocean"
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Jon W.
Regular user
177 Posts
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Posted: 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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Wizard of Oz
Inner circle
Most people wish I didn't have
1787 Posts
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Posted: 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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Damon Reinbold
Regular user
141 Posts
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Posted: 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
Damon Reinbold
2011 President, S.A.M. Assembly 71
2011 President, IBM Ring 90
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rjenkins
Inner circle
United Kingdom
1090 Posts
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Posted: 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.
Jolyon Jenkins
Self lighting candles, spirit bells, falling picture frames ...
http://www.magicnook.com/Magi-tronics/Magi-tronicsBook1.htm
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scooter3333
New user
12 Posts
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Posted: 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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carlwag
Special user
Huddersfield ,West yorkshire
513 Posts
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Posted: Dec 18, 2011 9:45am
Go with departed its awesome IMHO.
Good luck with your new purchase.
Carl.
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rjenkins
Inner circle
United Kingdom
1090 Posts
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Posted: Dec 18, 2011 5:29pm
Absolutely - people who do their seances under strong lights should not use my spirit bell!
Jolyon Jenkins
Self lighting candles, spirit bells, falling picture frames ...
http://www.magicnook.com/Magi-tronics/Magi-tronicsBook1.htm
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Godzilla
Inner circle
Tied & Untied Witches on
2851 Posts
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Posted: 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
"If you watch Godzilla backwards,it's about a big ass lizard who helps rebuild a half burnt-down city, then moonwalks back into the ocean"
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jamiesalinas
Special user
Houston
537 Posts
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Posted: 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
Jamie Salinas
www.MegaHitsMagic.com
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afinemesh
Inner circle
In Sebastopol, Ca. on a fence built with
1522 Posts
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Posted: Dec 19, 2011 12:02pm
Quote:
| So I've narrowed down to Dead Ringer and Departed with everyone's help. |
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The Departed. My favorite outlaw effect that I can't afford. It would be my choice had I the cash!
"I've always been mental, I'm sure of it" Boris Pocus 
"Someday we'll look back on this and it will all seem funny". . .Bruce Springsteen
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Spellbinder
Inner circle
The Holy City of East Orange, NJ
6439 Posts
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Posted: 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.
Professor Spellbinder
Professor Emeritus at the Turkey Buzzard Academy of Magik, Witchcraft and Wizardry
http://www.magicnook.com
Publisher of The Wizards' Journals
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scooter3333
New user
12 Posts
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Posted: 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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Wizard of Oz
Inner circle
Most people wish I didn't have
1787 Posts
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Posted: 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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Tony Razzano
Inner circle
South River, NJ
1557 Posts
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Posted: 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.
Best regards,
Tony Razzano, Past President, PEA
Be Kind to Each Other
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Roth
Inner circle
something wicked lurks behind these
4534 Posts
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Posted: 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.
GYPSY CURSE!
LuNa
Room Service
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Godzilla
Inner circle
Tied & Untied Witches on
2851 Posts
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Posted: 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
"If you watch Godzilla backwards,it's about a big ass lizard who helps rebuild a half burnt-down city, then moonwalks back into the ocean"
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scooter3333
New user
12 Posts
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Posted: 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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Lucien Astor
Elite user
Sunken R'lyeh
468 Posts
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Posted: 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.
http://www.mediumarts.ca: Psychic Entertainment & Contemporary Art
http://habitationofdragons.com: Dark Props
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Tony Razzano
Inner circle
South River, NJ
1557 Posts
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Posted: Dec 26, 2011 12:46pm
[quote]
On 2011-12-22 00:34, Godzilla wrote:
Quote:
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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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Neither would I!!!
Just pointing out the versatility.
Best regards,
Tony Razzano, Past President, PEA
Be Kind to Each Other
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Godzilla
Inner circle
Tied & Untied Witches on
2851 Posts
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Posted: 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!
"If you watch Godzilla backwards,it's about a big ass lizard who helps rebuild a half burnt-down city, then moonwalks back into the ocean"
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markthorold
Inner circle
Shrunken heads atop
1892 Posts
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Posted: Jan 15, 2012 3:52am
I'd love to see the tube clip but you have to sign in to view Lucien .
Mark
E.O.I
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Lucien Astor
Elite user
Sunken R'lyeh
468 Posts
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Posted: Jan 15, 2012 6:04pm
Quote:
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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
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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
http://www.mediumarts.ca: Psychic Entertainment & Contemporary Art
http://habitationofdragons.com: Dark Props
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TH1
Veteran user
Zombies beware! I have your heads on
313 Posts
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Posted: Jan 15, 2012 6:17pm
Quote:
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On 2012-01-15 18:04, Lucien Astor wrote:
Quote:
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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
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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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Ummmm....that was awesome! Thanks for sharing the video clip. Great concept.
Beware of evil spirits...and depleted batteries!
TheHauntedOne.com
Assembly11.com
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