Any review for " Jaks or Better " by CW ? Thanks

If you're looking for high-tech gadgetry...don't look here. Just (as with almost all Jaks-related ideas) good, commercial, highly performable mentalism. Very simple in operation and performance, and very strong! I recommend it, especially if you enjoy performing with unusual-looking props.

Steve Thomas

I've used it and it is an excellent example of the Mcguffin principle, if you know what that is. It made me laugh when I read the instructions. But it mystified the specs and is beautifully made as is all the CW stuff.

It is a nice, bold, clever and unusual means for a design dupication or to obtain information. The design of the apparatus, which is well made, naturally lends itself to an intersting story or theme. However, this is for parlor or stage use, not for close-up.

Michael

I considered buying this; however, when I saw it performed, the ending of the effect wasn't as clean as I had imagined. It was years ago and I don't remember the specifics, but seeing it performed convinced me not to buy it.

K

Hmmm I'm not sure what you could mean by this. All the dirty work is right in the beginning of the effect. If you get as far as the ending, you're clean as a whistle!

I agree with Kamus (any relationship to Camus?)that the ending ends clean and that the beginning of the effect lies the method. It is an excellent, simple and underused effect and method.

Michael

I use this effect in every show and build it in with other drawing duplication effects. The audience always loves it and therefore, so do I.

To give you an idea of how good this can be it is highly ripped off! Even Magic Makers has a version.

Well before CW put out it’s version Dermont Brennan put out a version that he called “Dr. Jak’s Private Reading Plus”. It came with two, very thin, leather, wallets. The wallets were identical except for the “adjustments” made in one of the wallets (the so-called Jak’s wallet principle). The second wallet was to switch out for examination. Actually, you didn’t have the spectators examine the wallet (why would you if it were ordinary?). You pulled it out and used it in an earlier effect (perhaps carried a packet trick in it) or you switched it out and left it lying on the table while you performed another experiment.

I know that some people who look for secrets are disappointed when they see the low-tec nature of the prop. However its use can astound an audience.

I use this little prop for one-on-one readings when I need to impress someone.

Another little trick that I perform with this prop is a currency (bill) serial number divination.

I use it to steal and to retrieve billet size objects (signed bills, marked coins, medallions, even a wedding ring once).

In all, it is a very versatile prop.

Do I like it? Well, I like the concept so well that I have both the earlier Brennan (my first investment in the prop) and the CW versions of the prop. Heck, I even have a Magic Makers version that I got in a grab bag deal. I use it.

Like Harry, I've had a few versions of this effect the earliest one which I think Tannen's sold, one manufactured years back in the U.K. (I wore that out) and the CW one. The CW one is really a specific routine, which comes with an additional prop,in fact they used to spell Jaks' name wrong in their advertising. I actually gave the expensive CW one away to another mentalist friend. I didn't think it would fit into my stand up act.

I'm a long time fan of Jak's stuff, and certainly in the description I have of his after dinner act this effect is not included, so it may be one of the discarded ideas from his notebook, or simply a presentation he never got around to using. Or maybe a presentation for the wallet devised by CW advisors. Clever, but not me.

All sorts of wallets based on this have been released in the past several years but the original is just as effective as ever for close up use. Probably still stocked by Tannens.

Paul.

Jack Dean also marketed an effect with the "Jaks-type" wallet, with (as with all of Jack's things) all credit given. If memory serves me, it's called "Jak O'Card". I have one, and it's a very straightforward, simple effective routine.

Steve Thomas

Magicday,

Did you ever purchase this trick. If so, how do you like it?

K

I bought it. Got it today. Decided it's not for me and will sell it for $65 postpaid within the U.S. Cost from Viking was $95. PM me if interested.