I'm looking at buying a brass hot rod from EBay and wanted to know if there are different types of hot rods (except for color). What should I look for to know if I'm getting a good deal.

Thanks,
Brian

Yes, there are. I would take a look at Bob Solari's catalog to see what he has. Then you will know what you are actually bidding on.

Hi Bill is Solari's catalog available on the web?

Do some hot rods have gem stones and others colored dots and is there a difference?

Thanks

Brian

I have several...

Two of those brass ones...painted spots, gimmicked, they say it's examinable, but never failed to be "busted" (hey, this is a sleeve...). Those are now in a box.

My clear one. 6 different colored gems. My favorite. Fits my hand perfectly. It's more than 15 years old.

A black one with gems...pretty, kinda skinny, but a good back-up (if I forget my clear one).

Jumping Gems. Two hot rod-type plastic sticks, gems jump back and forth, disappear, and one finally changes color.

Amazing Jumping Arrow. Only second to the clear Hot Rod. This thing ROCKS, and is one of those "talked about" effects I do. In fact, I've used that as a closer in a close-up routine, after doing Raven vanishes, Skinner's Monte, etc, and all they tell their friends about is that "arrow"...LOL!

Hot-Roddin' along...
Doug

Thanks Doug that's the info I was looking for although I just bought a Brass one with the painted spots, hope I'm not disappointed. But at leat I got it cheap!

Thanks

I have just a regular classic clear hot rod with gems. It serves me well when I need it and it was dirt cheap.

In my opinion, the Amazing Jumping Arrow effect itself is very good, but the patter that comes with it is coma-inducing. I saw Allan Hayden perform the effect with his own patter and it was killer!!!! Man, talk about an entertaining routine. If you ever run into Allan, beg and plead until he shows you his presentation.

Larry

Thanks, Larry!

I wonder...I've got to find better patter...I have my own, but it's lame..."See that thing move? It's got a mind of its own..." Ha...(-snore-)...

I'll have to do a search...Allan Hayden, hmmm? (Picture me assuming the Pete Biro "pondering" pose)

I've heard that name before...oh, and "bg"...that brass one? Take it out of the sleeve, take some Testors Model Paint, and repaint those spots...that's the first thing ya want to do...then, if you can find a polishing wheel and some jeweler's rouge, polish the ENDS...get that telltale ledge flush...Dremel tool might work, come ta think of it...hmmmm (Pete Biro pose again...)

Doug

I just got the brass hot rod and it's the biggest piece of junk I've ever bought.

Just my opionion but don't buy this!

I had a larger version of the clear Hot Rod made. I got the clear plastic rectangular rod from a Plastics Company, which they cut to my specifications. Then I went to a Craft Store for the Gems. I now use it for a Parlor routine. It was rather inexpensive to have made, I might add. It just so happened that the Plastics Company had scraps just laying around which they gave to me for free. The only cost was for them to cut it to the size I specified--This was quite minimal after explaining to them the Magical aspects and it's intended use. I have found many Companies over the years that are willing to help out like this one in particular. I guess they just feel, being apart of the Magic is an extremely cool thing.

There is a very nice set made by Ton Onosaka from Japan. It comes with a leather case. Very nice.
And the gems on the rods are very good quality crystal.

I get great reactions from both kids and adults from this trick. This is one of those tricks that you might not think would get reactions (I bought one years ago and just a few months ago I picked it up again), but it really floors people. I love to improvise patter on this trick, especially on kids. When I get to know them a little better, I can make them feel like they are doing something magical (like waving a wand) and it attracts a lot of attention.

I personnally like to 1st do 'Jumping Jems' with 'Flash' rod. Then follow up and ask if they would like to see through this trick. They always say, "Yes". I pull out the Clear 'Hot Rod' and it make a wonderful climas to a several minute routine.

Can't beat those gems.

I never got past the rhinestones and plastic part of the trick. Gems and ebony on a coffee stirrer? Till the basic object speaks to me... it's as 'out there' as carrying a pocket knife. Quaint at best.

Though if you are from the village in NY or San Francisco these things might be just fabulous and attractive to your desired audience.

Liberace loved pretty shiny things.

Although they seem to be hard to find lately I really like the wooden hot rods the best. To me they present a better image and don't look like something the audience is going to think is gimmicked in some way.

johnloon,
I am VERY interested in this -- do you know of any source to buy them, or someone I could get in contact with?

-Jim

I have a double colour changing brass rod.

usual effects, 6 colours, one is 'chosen' and all the gems turns that colour on both sides. then the multi colours re appear, and another colour is chosen. all of the gems now match this chosen colour and it is given out for examination.

a nice piece of kit, under $20, and is perfect for that "show me a trick" guy.

I've thought about the doublechange hot rod a couple of times.. and I still don't see how its going to get any more reaction out of a crowd than a regular hot rod. You can even hand a regular hot rod out at the end with a few changes in your patter.. gets um every time!!