With a music box on display from the start, the participant "chooses" a song from among many. That tune turns out to be the one the music box plays. When the music box is opened, however, it is found to have no movement inside.

I'm told a version appears in Bob Baker's book, "Shared Thoughts."

Does anyone know of earlier versions?

Thanks, in advance, for any help.

I don't know the date of Bob's book, but Lee Earl put out the Musing Box as a stand-alone item, it is also described in his Making Manifestations (put out in 1989, detailing the seance that he had created and conducted). This is still in print, and currently available on CD.

The method used by Lee goes back long before for creating sounds and music that seemed to come from either nowhere or an object on a table, like a glass (not from a music box though).

Others have replicated Lee's Musing Box utilizing the same method, and more recent advances.

Although this did not involve a selection of songs, it easily could have been used that way.

About 2 years ago, Lee was looking and making a limited edition, reissue of his item.

As I said, I don't know if Bob's book came before Lee's initial release. Bob is a member here and may be able to provide the information you are looking for.

I hope this helps.

Tony

Lee's "Musing Box" was a variation on "Oh, My Papa," which was a routine that was sold by ZZM. Borodin came up with this one. At the time, he performed this for people who were roughly in their 40's and 50's. In Germany, "Oh, My Papa" was popular for much longer than it was in the US, because it was not connected to the Eddie Fisher scandal (in Germany).

It used a psychological force.

The idea first appeared in print as a magic trick (as far as I know) in "The Gen" magazine, and later in The Art of Close Up Magic as "Spiritune" by Fredrica. In this routine, the tune was forced by means of small cards.

The MacAbee rings Lewis presentation also uses the principle as finale for the routine

It's from 1985, btw.

Frederica's routine was in print long before Bob's book.