As Max said if I were only limited to choosing just one it would more than likely be the regular die cube. It is certainly the one that is most recognizable by everyone and can be used in so many ways. But, then again, can so all of the others.
Just use you imagination as this device leaves nothing more than doing so.

~gaffed~

I bought all 3 just to have them, but yes, the die goes perfectly with my Riverboat Gambler theme. That has been the only one I used so far. Plus I'm lazy, so I don't have to remember anything! It's idiot proof for me!

ACE

So far, the vast majority go out as Deluxe sets. For the standard sets, it is a tie between the die and color cube.

I am releasing a new die shell in about a week. I think you are really going to like it, it may become the new favorite. LOADS of presentation options. I did not come up with the idea, but I am glad the person who did gave me the OK to go with it. I will credit him when I release it. I will give you a hint, imagine being able to know the Ss answer to any question you ask.

Happy Holidays,
-Craig

Well . . . I just splurged on the Deluxe set for my own Christmas present. It's amazing how The Magic Café works. I saw a a post by GAFFED on a "best trick purchase of the year" thread, and I concurred with his picks on QB2 and Extreme Burn. Then I saw that he mentioned MD as being #1; so I searched MD and read every post from all of you.

Thank you all for sharing your analyses and ideas. Very rarely does an effect garner almost categorical praise. I made my purchase based on the effect, versatility, and very much on Craig Filicetti's credibility among all of you.

Once I receive MD and work it into my performances, I'll be happy to share my thoughts and any unique ideas for performance with this group.

Thank you GAFFED for sparking my interest in this.

Happy Holidays to all!

Targetintellect,

I just taped the box and it is on its way. I hope it arrives before Christmas, hard to tell with the backlog at the post office.

Enjoy,
-Craig

Craig,

Thanks for the speedy email. I can tell already - you deliver great customer service. Looking forward to receiving this masterpiece!

Frank

Believe me Frank you will not be disappointed.
This is definitely something that will not collect dust amongst other unused magic effects. I'm one of those people who will not recommend a restaurant for fear that the other person may not like it. This is one case where I'm quite happy and secure in knowing that I, in some obscure way, directed you to this thread and you then decided to make the purchase. This effect will leave you with absolutely nothing more than how you may wish to present it. By the way....get on the Web and order a batch of batteries as you'll never want to find yourself without them. This is one of those things that will make you feel naked if you should happen to leave without it! Also aside from the fact that Craig backs this up 101% and his service is definitely far beyond the norm.

~gaffed~

Since most of you use the casino die, but have the deluxe set, have you found the deluxe set worth it?

By the way, will price increase be on deluxe or standard sets or both after 1/1/09?

Thanks.

I was mostly interested in the casino die and have several routines that use this. I definitely wanted the wooden box as this is part of my initial routine. Since receiving the deluxe set, I've begun to use the ESP die with a great deal of success. I haven't used the color die yet but I love the flexibility that all three offer in different routines.

Dan.

Thanks Dan for your input. I think versatility is nice, but is it worth the extra $?

I think for the $75 difference you cant really go wrong. Not to mention I know the price increase is going to be substantial.

Max

I use the color cube about 75 % of the time. But that's just me. There are so many possibilities with all three.

As for the price increase I can easily understand why.
Just consider the price between MD and the Quantum Bender 2.0 which sells for $500.00.
Now please make no mistake that I am in any way trying to compare the two effects as each one is great in its own respect. But considering the fact that each and every piece of MD is hand made by Craig I really consider a price increase very justifiable. So, if your sitting on the proverbial fence in trying to make up your mind in purchasing MD I'd strongly suggest you do it NOW!

And yes....the deluxe set is well worth the extra money albeit I have never used the nice little wooden box and strongly doubt that I ever will but, that's just my personal choice in how I perform it.

~gaffed~

When I added the incremental cost of the box, the additional die was not a significant issue. When you factor the total value received with this complete device, this is worth far more with a tremendous range of utility.

Dan.

Still having lots of fun with this ...A great buy indeed!

Yes, I started adding up the price of buying the parts separately, and it was a better deal to just get the whole kit. You never know when you want to change, for a repeat show. Another thing: I rarely perform for magicians, but I am thinking if I do, then the Color cube might be more innocent, they will think of the old color vision box.
As I mentioned, I have only used the die as I work as a "Gambler" magician when I use it. But I also do kid shows, and I am working up a routine to use the color cube with that. So by the time you buy those, you just as well get the whole set.
Some day I might want to use the ESP cube. I just got the "Beyond ESP2" kit which is a deck of ESP cards, some gimmicked cards, and a book. After I read the book and work with this, I am sure I can work the cube into the routine.

Yes, all of this is worth it if you work magic for a living. It is fun to be able to get paid for what you love to do, and be able to buy more fun stuff with the money you make from it.

I'm a "needy" consumer of magic, and Craig came through again with flying colors, fulfilling my need with a part that I lost. I can't believe how fast I got the part and at a better than reasonable cost!

Craig is one good guy who treats customers like they should be treated. That is hard to find these days, especially with some of the old established magic companies that are no longer individually owned. It seems that since the old companies have already made their name in magic history, they no longer care about the individual magicians needs.

Craig has always been there for me! He always responds quickly to my emails, and has better than fast service. And this is service after the purchase!

ACE

It arrived today. WOW! The first few times I played with MD, I'd roll the color cube under a blanket and "guess" the color right every time. Even though I knew how it was happening it felt to ME like real magic.

The quality is exquisite and as GAFFED had foretold, there is nothing more to do than develop presentation. This is limited only by our imagination.

Here is a quick, simple and powerful reveal with the die. Spectator secretly selects any number. She glances into the flame of your lighter and visualizes the number, pass your thumb through the flame and Voila she sees her number blistering on your thumb. I use Pyro Perception (an excellent effect at $20) to get the number to blister. If the #1 comes out I simply use the number 1 part of the number 10 on PP.

It passed the first test with flying colors. My wife and mother-in-law have very short attention spans. They have seen all of my "gem" effects. My wife said it is one of the best effects she has ever seen because it there is NOTHING to it - no procedural path; secretly select a number and it instantly blisters on my finger. No process - just sheer effect. In essence it a quick knock-out punch. Mom-in-law gave it a 12 out of 10.

I have a dremmel and I will try making my own simple version of Pyro Perception for ESP symbols. Another idea for stand up would be to use FUSE spirit writing. This would slay. My only reservation is that on rare occasion FUSE fails to ignite; so I'd need a back up revelation.

Also, I am very excited to use this with cold reading techniques, I think it can be a very "creepy" effect as well.

Tomorrow I have a three-hour walk around. Looking forward to experiencing the reactions of the public.

GAFFED had a great idea with cutting a tube from panty hose to hold the ******r on your arm. Just cross your arms and flick it on and off. Thanks again GAFFED for leading me to this absolute gem in magic! Thanks Craig for making magic the way it should be made. How nice to have your expectations exceeded for a change!

Looking forward to hearing more presentational ideas for this masterpiece.

- Frank

Well Frank,
It seems as though you got suckered into buying this ridiculous piece of nonsense!
ONLY JOKING OF COURSE!

I had no doubt in my mind whatsoever that you would be amazed as to it's simplicity and yet so clever working. It is indeed a killer to say the least and brings magic to a new level if one takes the time to present it beyond the miracle that it already is.

Years ago I used to use something called "Die-Cipher II" by Paul Diamond. A solid brass die in a round solid brass container. I still have it and as far as I know it just might be a collector item now. You had to hold the container after the number was picked or with practice it could simply be placed on the back of the spectators hand and you knew what number they chose. It was very clever and actually it still is. However when I was doing it for some friends I left it out and they somehow figured that it had something to do with the container albeit they could not figure out just how I was able to know the number.

When I received MD I made the decision that I would never again use a container such as the wood box that comes with the deluxe set as in all honesty it's not needed. I don't wish to use anything that may be considered "gimmicky" looking for lack of a better description. I now simply use a coffee cup or simply have the spec. place a napkin over it and push it aside.

Don't be too concerned about the *********r being on too long as it will last a long time. Better to stock up more on the r******r batteries as that stays on to a certain point. Bottom line, if your going to do a three hour walk around it's best to always start with fresh batteries and if you do have a chance or opportunity to turn the *********r off so much the better. I've found myself getting away from the nylon stocking and just simply placing it in my pocket! I just place my hand in my pocket and hold it and no one has ever taken notice of it. If not that I'll simply shove it in the side of my sock. I've never placed it my underwear like Steve does but I just think he likes the thrill of it whether he performing it or not! lol

As far as the "Pyro Perception" I've never heard of it. Is this is a preset for a chosen (forced card)? If so, how do you go about setting it up? Perhaps when you get a chance you could PM about this as I'm always looking for some "freaky" way of presenting MD. I'm having great success with my deck of cards but I'm always open to something new and unusual. Anyway....I'm glad you like it as I knew you would and if you have any problems with it (which I strongly doubt) Craig will gladly help out and back it up. He is one hell of a guy and a refreshing breath of fresh air in the world of selling a magic effect these days and standing by his product.

~gaffed~

GAFFED, Thanks for the tips! Can you share with us again your link to where you get your batteries? I'll PM you on the Pyro Perception.

I'm so close to jumping on the bandwagon. There goes my magic budget for the year.