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Go to page 1 ~ 2 ~ 3  (Next) The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Tricks & Effects » » Off The Meter - by Steve Axtell Grasshop34 New user Cincinnati, OH 93 Posts Posted: Jul 16, 2006 12:30am          I just got back from attending the VentHaven ConVENTtion in KY www.venthaven.com (which was amazing by the way) and purchased Axtell's new Off The Meter. www.axtell.com Luckily, I live in Cincinnati and was still able to perform a show this morning, Although I missed Jeff Dunum's lecture which I wasn't too happy about. So I was the first, besides Steve, to try out this new amazing audience warm-up tool. The effect is basically an audience applause meter. After a bit of byplay by having the audience compete who is the loadest, you have everyone applaud and cheer and the the meter breaks open with a colorful surprize. Their applause was off the meter! I bought this the day before and was confidence enough with its easy mechanics and plot that I thought I'd try it out today. I had a back up warm-up ready in case it didn't play well and bombed. Well I didn't need my back up because it played great and the kids' loved it! In fact it got a beter reaction then my warm-up I've performed hundreds of times. At the end they really thought they broke it and were shocked (great reaction) then laughed knowing it was a gag. I used a couple of other gags such an ugly meter. I enjoyed the rollercoaser of emotions it brought to the audience. I highly recommend this visual prop for it's reactions, ease of use, and success for the all important warm-up. Jason The Great Smartini Inner circle Canada 2282 Posts Posted: Jul 16, 2006 3:03am          Jason, thanks for sharing your experience with this cool prop...I've already ordered one and am looking forward to using it. Smartini Be realistic...plan for a miracle! Dennis Michael KIDabra forum Staff Atco, NJ 5392 Posts Posted: Jul 16, 2006 6:47am            Thanks for that informative post. I too, knew ahead of time this would be an audience pleaser and the kids would love it. I can't wait to get mine ans try it. Dennis Dennis Michael, Atco, NJ (856)768-2281 KIDabra Chapter #1 Facebook Email: DennisMichael@KIDabra1.org axtell V.I.P. Steve Axtell 1546 Posts Posted: Jul 17, 2006 1:52pm          While I'm happy that Jason has such an immediate success right out of the shoot, I recommend practicing with it a week or so before performing it. It's not that it's real difficult but you do have some handling to perfect. In fact the power of Off the Meter is in the handling, and in what a real pro can milk out of it! Good job Jason! Ax steve @ axtell.com Axtell Expressions, Inc. Professional Puppets & Magic http://www.AXTELL.com WayneNZ Special user New Zealand 772 Posts Posted: Jul 17, 2006 2:14pm          Steve , any idea when You will start shipping ? cheers Wayne ( who has His order in ) Neznarf Special user NY then AZ now 821 Posts Posted: Jul 17, 2006 4:45pm          Yes Steve Any idea when you'll start shipping? I ordered mine early last week "Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass...it's about learning how to dance in the rain." axtell V.I.P. Steve Axtell 1546 Posts Posted: Jul 17, 2006 5:41pm          Thank you for your trust and your orders. We're currently building 100 (which are mostly sold) and will be making several hundred after that. They have already started shipping from the first batch of 20. We'll be making about 20-30 per week so it won't be more than a few weeks. The current orders should all be shipped out before Kidabra. I will hold 25 for Kidabra from these 100, so we'll have 70-75 to ship out soon. If you are going to Kidabra and currently have an order on the list yours will be shipped from the office before Kidabra. The 25 we bring will be for new sales only. I don't handle the list or the shipping so I am not sure who's getting these first. Betsy my customer service manager is handling all of that in a fair manner. Her email is order@axtell.com steve @ axtell.com Axtell Expressions, Inc. Professional Puppets & Magic http://www.AXTELL.com bsears Special user 877 Posts Posted: Jul 17, 2006 5:52pm          My recommendation to anyone thinking about buying this is to watch Steve's demo video. You'll know right away if its right for you. donsmagic Loyal user 208 Posts Posted: Jul 17, 2006 7:43pm          I ordered one and can't wait to use it. Those of you that have one right away are lucky. I'm on a waiting list! axtell V.I.P. Steve Axtell 1546 Posts Posted: Jul 18, 2006 12:34am          Soon, there will be other performer videos using this prop in ways I haven't imagined. I am excited to see them come in. I'm hearing about the various ideas and uses by entertainers already. I hope it develops into so much more than an applause meter for some of you. I can see a mind reading act....have a man and woman up from the audience....hold the sensor right on an audience member's head and read the man's thoughts about the woman standing next to him.... a 6! Hold it to her head....what is she thinking about him....nothing....is this thing working?? Back on his....a 7! Yes it's working.... Back on her's....zero. Laughs laughs laughs. Then put his hand on her shoulder to get the "connection" going better...and test them again.... it quickly moves up to a 10 and KABAM..it breaks!!!! Laughs and applause.... Lots more ideas coming. steve @ axtell.com Axtell Expressions, Inc. Professional Puppets & Magic http://www.AXTELL.com Grasshop34 New user Cincinnati, OH 93 Posts Posted: Jul 18, 2006 12:45am          I used off the meter in two more shows today and it played really well again. I'm very excited about this new opener. Jason Regan Inner circle U.S.A. 4514 Posts Posted: Jul 21, 2006 4:10pm          I understand that the colorful surprise when the meter blows up is foam confetti. Has any thought of an alternative that is not as messy? Would it be possible to use something else and still get about the same impact. Regan Mister Mystery axtell V.I.P. Steve Axtell 1546 Posts Posted: Jul 22, 2006 9:36am          Hi Reagan, The confetti I used in the video was a variety of 1/2" - 3/4" diecut shapes so they pick up easy, not like tiny pieces of paper. I used only about 1/2 hand full (25-30 pcs). They pick up in about 10-20 sec. Not bad. Several are using it without any confetti just the springs, but chunks of foam torn into blocks are even easier to pick up 4-6 pieces. I just think that adding something that visually falls out onto the floor give it more of a broken chaotic feel. I'd love to hear other ideas too..... Ax steve @ axtell.com Axtell Expressions, Inc. Professional Puppets & Magic http://www.AXTELL.com The Mighty Fool Special user Florida 969 Posts Posted: Jul 22, 2006 2:17pm          I'll be ordering one soon (makes the original clapometer thingy look like trash!!). Here's an idea, if you have the 'makin' sparks' effect (sylvester the jester) how about a shower of sparks emitting from the meter's top just before explosion. Everybody wants to beleive.....we just help them along. Regan Inner circle U.S.A. 4514 Posts Posted: Jul 22, 2006 7:43pm          Hey, thanks Steve! I have to worry about reset time with everything I do. I don't have much time between shows sometimes. My Axtell collection keeps growing. I'll have to think about Off The Meter, but I will probably be putting my name on the list too. Regan Mister Mystery axtell V.I.P. Steve Axtell 1546 Posts Posted: Jul 22, 2006 11:36pm          Mighty Fool.....you are so right! Dan and I have been talking about this. We'll probably be making an accessory for this purpose. Ax steve @ axtell.com Axtell Expressions, Inc. Professional Puppets & Magic http://www.AXTELL.com axtell V.I.P. Steve Axtell 1546 Posts Posted: Jul 22, 2006 11:40pm          However Mighty...I must disagree about something..... I think Trevor Lewis' Clap-O-Meter is a clever device and deserves original credit for bringing the idea into the magic community, and at such a low cost. He's brilliant. Ax steve @ axtell.com Axtell Expressions, Inc. Professional Puppets & Magic http://www.AXTELL.com axtell V.I.P. Steve Axtell 1546 Posts Posted: Jul 23, 2006 4:19pm          I have put up photos of other ideas for confetti, fatter foam pieces, pom poms, rubber poms, etc. that you can use. Most of these are quick pick up items. 10-15 sec. I have also put a photo of the lever/spring/gear mechanism so you can peek inside "OFF THE METER" There is a lot going on to give you reliable accurate control over that silly needle. Many people have mentioned that they appreciate the design direction I gave this product using a 50' style retro-analog meter (rather than computery LEDs. We actually spent a lot of time and money developing and alternative design using colored LEDs, but in the end it was WAY funnier to see the needle moving back and forth across the numbers. Also the bright colors read well and look funny as soon as you bring it out. Oh....you can see the photos on the webpage. Click on the Magic Café ad, or here http://www.axtell.com/meter.html Enjoy! Ax steve @ axtell.com Axtell Expressions, Inc. Professional Puppets & Magic http://www.AXTELL.com Lou Hilario Inner circle 1589 Posts Posted: Jul 23, 2006 11:07pm          If I were to use this, I would use candies of different shapes, colors and sizes to fall off instead of foam pieces. Or even small toys so that kids can pick them up if you are near them or give them away later. Magic, Illusions, Puppet & Parrot Show ^0^ http://www.louhilario.com Marvello Inner circle It's amazing how little I can say in 1428 Posts Posted: Jul 24, 2006 12:15am          A few hand coils would make a nice visual, messy (and easy to clean up) addition to the foam confetti. I am really excited about the possibilites of the many uses of the meter, such as a geiger counter, a lie detector, a "card-locating-machine," (the chosen card or several of the same card could fall out of the meter when it blows up), an "hot or not" ugly meter (and have it blow up when I turn the machine on myself), etc.. The ideas are only limited to your imagination. Never criticize someone else until you have walked a mile in their shoes. Then, when you do criticize them, you will be a mile away from them and you will have their shoes. Marvello Inner circle It's amazing how little I can say in 1428 Posts Posted: Jul 24, 2006 6:57pm          WOO HOO! I got my UPS Shipment notification in the mail just now... I can't wait to play with this After I get it I will post my first impressions, and then after I am able to work out a routine and perform it for an audience I will post the reactions I got. Never criticize someone else until you have walked a mile in their shoes. Then, when you do criticize them, you will be a mile away from them and you will have their shoes. axtell V.I.P. Steve Axtell 1546 Posts Posted: Jul 24, 2006 7:41pm          Marvello...I am excited for you. I just got an email from Ken Winters who just used "off the meter" in his show... Hello Steve and the Axtell staff, A quick note to let you know that I found a problem with the ‘Off the Meter’………………………………………… A WORD OF CAUTION……………. MAKE SURE YOUR PA IS SET TO MAX! You better have your PA turned up all the way to overpower all the applause and laughs that you will get! WOW! What a fantastic reaction It’s now part of the show for ever! Steve, thanks once again for making me look SOOOOOOOOO GOOOOOOOOD! Magically, Ken Winters steve @ axtell.com Axtell Expressions, Inc. Professional Puppets & Magic http://www.AXTELL.com Eddie Garland Inner circle Hells Kitchen, New York City 2460 Posts Posted: Jul 24, 2006 8:17pm          What an outstanding product! I hope there will be a "SpinalTap" edition...where the meter goes to 11 Dark Arts Media The Devil's Tramping Ground Regan Inner circle U.S.A. 4514 Posts Posted: Jul 24, 2006 9:29pm          Thanks for those new photos Steve. I'm going to check them out now. Mister Mystery rogueclown Loyal user Whittier 246 Posts Posted: Jul 24, 2006 9:37pm          I just got mine!!!! It is a very GREAT prop. I love the colors and everything about it. I actually met Mr. Axtell and kinda took a really quick tour around the place. It was like being in Santa's Work shop. All kinds of fur and everything around. I am impressed. I will be buying more items from Axtell. Thank you very much!!!! You guys will love and use the heck out of this prop!!!! RC axtell V.I.P. Steve Axtell 1546 Posts Posted: Jul 24, 2006 11:06pm          I was talking with a sex therapist today who is interested in using OFF THE METER to measure the knowlege of her audience before she does a workshop.... as an ice breaker concept. She's thinking of bringing up a random man and a woman from the audience to measure the "normal sexual thoughts" of the woman (2-3) and then the man then (8-9-10......KA-POW!!!) HUGE LAUGHS! That's an example of how you can use the prop in a situation other than just for applause. It's not just a kidshow prop. Rogueclown...nice meeting you today! Any of you coming to Southern California please plan to visit Axtell Expressions. Eddie....It will go past 10 if you want it to! You can indeed make it go up to 11....off the meter. steve @ axtell.com Axtell Expressions, Inc. Professional Puppets & Magic http://www.AXTELL.com dbmagic123 Regular user 123 Posts Posted: Jul 26, 2006 9:27pm          Steve, I will be at Kidabra, I will be picking up "Off the Meter" at Kidabra,,, hopefully I can get to the dealers room before you sell out,, sounds like you have another great Axtell prop on your hands,, I have Rodney and Vern, your stuff is wonderful! Don axtell V.I.P. Steve Axtell 1546 Posts Posted: Jul 27, 2006 9:46am          Don, please don't wait for Kidabra. The orders have been so strong that I may not be able to bring any meters. I was going to try to bring 25 unsold, but my team got together and we realized how unfair that would be to those who have placed an order already and are waiting. I will TRY to bring some....I will bring a sample to demonstrate with, but we may not have the second batch in the works yet. I'm sorry but this really caught us by surprise....it's a hit for sure and we're gearing up as fast as we can. The ideas you guys are coming up with are crazy! There is another thread in the forum with ideas you should read. Do a search for "Axtell" you'll find them. Ax steve @ axtell.com Axtell Expressions, Inc. Professional Puppets & Magic http://www.AXTELL.com dking66 Loyal user 233 Posts Posted: Jul 28, 2006 7:36pm          Got mine today! Fantastic! Thanks, Ax! It's well made and the useage is unlimited! Also, very easy to use... so one can focus on expressions and the routine! Can't wait to use it! Doug Marvello Inner circle It's amazing how little I can say in 1428 Posts Posted: Jul 28, 2006 7:48pm          I got my "OFF THE METER" today, and I am very impressed with the quality and construction. I have been playing with it all afternoon and it is very easy to use. You are in control of the meter at all times and can make it go to ANY number you want (1, 2, 2.5, etc.) and even "off the meter" (past 10). The method/gimmick to move the "needle" is not what I thought it would be, and in fact it is much better. The case itself is durable plastic, and should last a long time. This prop is SOLIDLY BUILT! I would be willing to bet that you could drive a car over the case and it wouldn't break (though I don't plan on trying that intentionally). The case has sliding locks so it won't come open until you want it to. The "microphone" is well made also. This is going STRAIGHT into my show! I can't wait to see what the audience reaction will be. Another high-quality product from Axtell Expressions! Never criticize someone else until you have walked a mile in their shoes. Then, when you do criticize them, you will be a mile away from them and you will have their shoes. The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Tricks & Effects » » Off The Meter - by Steve Axtell <<< Previous Topic   Next Topic >>>  Go to page 1 ~ 2 ~ 3  (Next)

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