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Made to Measure Magic New user 22 Posts |
Mighty Fool wrote "Do they still even make the clapometer"
Trevor Lewis has given Made to Measure Magic in the UK permission to make the Clapometer. It is made of Birch Ply not card and has the party popper climax. You can view it here. http://www.madetomeasuremagic.co.uk/Childrens/Clapometer.htm Dave |
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The Mighty Fool Inner circle I feel like a big-top tent having 2140 Posts |
Thanx Dave! (I still like OTM better though)
Everybody wants to beleive.....we just help them along.
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Made to Measure Magic New user 22 Posts |
I agree Off the meter is a great prop. I spoke with Trevor about making the Clapometer to offer an alternative. Ther are lots of semi-pro magicians just doing 4or5shows a month for whom Off the Meter is a bit pricey. Horses for courses.
Dave. http://www.madetomeasuremagic.co.uk |
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Rodney Palmer Inner circle 1317 Posts |
Do not get me wrong, Off The Meter is a very Nice Prop. Now if I were Paying for someones routine or if these were expensive to make then I could justify the price. I looked into making my own OTM, MY Own Version and I could make it for $ 35.00 or less. So in my opinion to ask $ 170.00 for this prop is outrageous. And the OTM is not a New Invention. This type of Warm-Up Prop has been around for over 50 plus years. When I was younger I made something similar to this but I used a Real Microphone (It was not working) and I used an Old Suitcase with Real Slinkys. My Dad built some lights for me and electronics so I could make it light up when the kids made noise by turning a knob.
REMLAP
"Creating Memories That Last A Lifetime"
In order to keep "MAGIC ALIVE" Please become a Mentor to a Young Person. |
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Dennis Michael Inner circle Southern, NJ 5821 Posts |
Yes, I have it Love it and use it in every kids show near the end, I've written several posts on this.
-Dennis
Dennis Michael
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Chance Wolf Inner circle 2425 Posts |
REMLAP said:
"I looked into making my own OTM, MY Own Version and I could make it for $ 35.00 or less. So in my opinion to ask $ 170.00 for this prop is outrageous." I always love it when someone who has absolutely no idea of the expenses are involved in running a manufacturing company. Please note, I have been doing this full time for almost 10 years and we are NOT wealthy by any stretch of the imagination but I certainly know what I am talking about. The overhead is "OUTRAGEOUS" compared to you sitting in your house and building the prop at your own leisure. Until you have sat in the shoes and ran a manufacturing company paying excessive overhead, employees wages, state and federal taxes out the WAZZU as well as the Research and Development of any given concept...then maybe you would be a little more understanding of what it takes to do what Steve and I do for a living...yes...we do have personal bills on TOP of the business expenses. So much time and money is not accounted for when you base your argument on sitting at home building one unit verses a hundred units. Not to mention the BIG factor that we do not sell THOUSANDS of these creations. The market is SMALL when compared to the financial and time investment made on any given product. Sometimes it works out pretty well but most cases....not nearly as goos as you think. Man, the list goes on and on but you get the idea. Tell you what...feel free to stop by my shop anytime and spend a week here and maybe you will understand the process a bit better. We will also show you the books if you really need proof that we are not drowning in cash from our "Do It Yourself" magic tricks. One last thought....how easy do you think this would have been for you to create if you never seen the prop in the first place? uuugh! Sorry folks but these kinds of posts really burn my A $ $ and I just have to step up for us manufacturers. Take care Chance PS: If Off the Meter works for you then GREAT! If you don't like it for whatever reason. So what. Don't use it. No need to make a subtle attempt to degrade its value or effectiveness because it is a "prop". Big news...unless you go out on stage with absolutely NOTHING in your hand...then you are using PROPS.
Creator of Wacky Wolf Productions & Fine Collectibles
A DECADE of building Magic and we're just getting started! http://www.wolfsmagic.com |
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Almost-A-Magician Regular user New England 158 Posts |
I have had great responses to off the meter from kids. It takes the right presentation to make it effective (like anything), but kids seem to really like the appearance of the prop. Money well spent IMO. Certainly not something I would have thought of or been able to make on my own.
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mike storz Inner circle Orange, CT 1353 Posts |
"PS: If Off the Meter works for you then GREAT! If you don't like it for whatever reason. So what. Don't use it. No need to make a subtle attempt to degrade its value or effectiveness because it is a "prop".
Big news...unless you go out on stage with absolutely NOTHING in your hand...then you are using PROPS." Well said Chance! Go for what works for you. If you like the look of OTM and what it is intended for then it is worth every penny. The same goes for the others on the market. Randi makes a beautiful Anything Meter. I own it and would not sell it. It is awesome!!! Even emitsvsmoke when it blows up! BUT I still use OTM. Why? Just preference at this point. For older kid shows I would use Anything Meter for sure. I typically just book the little ones. :) |
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Leland Inner circle St Louis 1180 Posts |
I think off the meter type of effect is more for a warm up than a magical act. You can get the kids yelling and have them on your side from the start. I don't own it, I've seen it performed and that's what I came away with.
Life of Magic!
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Dennis Michael Inner circle Southern, NJ 5821 Posts |
Quote:
On 2011-12-28 22:51, Leland wrote: I've tried it as a warm up and yes it does work well, however, near the end of my show I do something similar. I get competition between the boys and the girls on "Who liked the show the best." It lets the parents know they made a good choice in hiring me and that the kids loved the show. DO I need to do this, no, because the show can stand on it's own, however, it adds to the show with lots of audience interaction, and its fun to do. Add it that it is a colorful prop, big enough for everyone to see. I modified it with "Crash Bangs" (Sounds like glass breaking when they fall). I now do this only on a stage. In a living room the kids run up to pick up the "Crash Bangs" so that didn't work out on an equal playing field. I tried the Party Poppers but could not get them to work a lot of times, so I pulled them out. I hot glued the springs because eventually they come loose when used often. I will continue to use it and keep biding on them as they appear in local club auctions so I can have a spare. -Dennis -
Dennis Michael
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TonyB2009 Inner circle 5006 Posts |
To answer Frank's original question, I do not have this product. You could not pay me to include it in my act. No disrespect to those of you who do use it, but it is not the way I want my show to be perceived.
Check out Tony's new thriller Dead or Alive http://www.amazon.co.uk/Alive-Varrick-Bo......n+carson
http://www.PartyMagic.ie |
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axtell V.I.P. Steve Axtell 2126 Posts |
Cool discussion. Off the Meter has been a big success with lots of kids entertainers using it... it has also influenced at least 2 other meters I've seen, so it's been good not only for Axtell Expressions but for the industry as a whole. Just for the record our "OFF the METER" is mechanically more complex of a prop than you think it is. There are gears, alignment plates, linkage, spring, etc. I love how some of you have added graphics, poppers, extra noises, etc. to it...to make it your own! More info on the Meter at http://www.axtell.com/meter.html Click on the "IDEAS AND MORE" link for the ideas submitted by users - etc.
As Chance said it's quite a challenge to build quality props, stand behind them with a warranty, pay your employees well and to stay in business...especially in this economy. If you listen to those use it, it certainly is contributing more to their shows than the investment cost them. 2012 will be our 30th year making puppets like Vern and the Toucan... and props like the Drawing Boards, Off the Meter and our new Mic-Mouth! Lots more coming! Happy New Year! Ax
Axtell Expressions, Inc.
Pro Puppets, Magic & Animatronics |
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TheAmbitiousCard Eternal Order Northern California 13425 Posts |
Mic-Mouth. Great prop, Steve. Great idea.
www.theambitiouscard.com Hand Crafted Magic
Trophy Husband, Father of the Year Candidate, Chippendale's Dancer applicant, Unofficial World Record Holder. |
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seadog93 Inner circle 3200 Posts |
I just watched the demo, it looks pretty fun to me.
"Love is the magician who pulls man out of his own hat" - Ben Hecht
"Love says 'I am everything.' Wisdom says 'I am nothing'. Between the two, my life flows." -Nisargadatta Maharaj Seadog=C-Dawg=C.ou.rtn.ey Kol.b |
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mikedobias New user 56 Posts |
I love Off the Meter, and use it in all of my shows for ages 4-9. I have a 3-stage buildup--the first is just clapping (which only gets the needle into the "boring zone", the second is making as much noise as they want with their mouths (the premise is that they need to say the magic words as loud as possible to make the magic work later in the show), and the third is putting both their hands and mouths together at the same time (to get to the red "wild and crazy magic zone" on the meter). The look on the kids faces at the third stage when I tell them that we're going to try both their hands and mouths together at the same time is priceless--the eager anticipation of them getting ready to try to accomplish the goal of getting to the red zone is a great moment.
It's not just about making noise for the sake of making noise, it has a purpose, and definitely gets the kids warmed up. Plus, they love the fact that an adult is giving them permission to let loose! |
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stevezany Regular user 145 Posts |
I have always looked at the higher priced products, such as those from Steve Axtell and Chance Wolf as:
-- investments in me (their creations help me to personally grow and provides inspiration that helps me become a better performer) -- investments in my act (helps me continue to offer audiences something new, entertaining and memorable) -- differentiators (my competitors and "frienemies" often aren't using them so the audience may have never seen them before) -- tax deductions (more of my earned money goes to Uncle Sam if I don't put money back into the business) -- money makers (I have booked shows specifically as a result of using Wolf and Axtell props) For me, Off the Meter meets all of the above criteria.
Steve Zany
http://www.zanymagic.com |
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curtgunz Special user Only 99% of users have more than 784 Posts |
Quote:
On 2011-12-29 13:40, axtell wrote: Steve Axtell is always so gracious and classy. Thanks for what you do for so many Steve.
Click for Free Resources for Performers
YouTube channel specifically for family & kids show magicians. Click -- You need to subscribe. |
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mike storz Inner circle Orange, CT 1353 Posts |
Quote:
On 2011-12-29 05:59, TonyB2009 wrote: Please explain. Seems like a strong opinion, "You could not pay me to include it in my act." Although I respect your decision, strong statements like these deserve an explanation. What about this the meter concerns you how your show might be received? I'm truly interested. Feel free to pm me. For the record I'm a huge fan of this but curious minds want to know!! Thank you, Mike |
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Howie Diddot Inner circle San Francisco & Los Angeles California 3288 Posts |
Quote:
On 2012-01-07 23:25, mike storz wrote: Mike you posted a great question!!! |
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TonyB2009 Inner circle 5006 Posts |
Mike, I have seen this used by some otherwise competent performers. It just seems to be an excuse to hold a shouting contest. It is far too obvious - a sledge-hammer approach to getting a reaction.
I do not go out to get shouts. I like loud reactions, but they will be laughter, or responses to my storytelling techniques. They will not be escalating shouts. If I was doing a session of games, then something like this might have a place. But never in a magic show. I think it is as out of place as dropping your trousers for a cheap laugh, or doing the vanishing bandana because you could not come up with something to fill the last five minutes of your slot. I know my opinion is a minority one, but I judge the magic on what I would like to see as a spectator. And this is not it.
Check out Tony's new thriller Dead or Alive http://www.amazon.co.uk/Alive-Varrick-Bo......n+carson
http://www.PartyMagic.ie |
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