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mindtravels New user 10 Posts |
REVIEW OF “THE GHOST BOX” BUILT BY CHRIS MALLON.
Note: No mechanical nor method secrets are revealed below. For additional details about The Ghost Box, as well as a performance video, visit: https://www.chrismallon.com. Access to that section is the number: 13. Background: I ordered a custom-built Ghost Box because I have a specific need for a “seance” featuring a Titanic theme in which a boarding pass is switched and a mysterious bosun’s whistle sounds unexpectedly at a critical time in the routine. Physical Characteristics: • The internal measurement is 16 x 9 cm. The Ghost Box is made especially for tarot sized cards and can hold the full deck. • The aesthetics can be customized to a certain degree. Mr. Mallon offers boxes that have a “circus” appearance – others that are festooned with skulls. The decorative hardware is subject somewhat to the buyer’s taste. I needed a very plain, inconspicuous box that looked distressed by age and in no way “magical.” • The Ghost Box is first-and-foremost a switch box. • The Ghost Box provides an added feature of a hidden, customizable audio component that is entirely in the control of the performer. • You’ll need to allow 4-8 weeks for delivery depending on where you are and what construction needs apply. I received mine in about a month because Mr. Mallon already had boxes that were in pre-finishing stage. Value: I paid 275 pounds plus 25 pounds shipping. That’s a bit more than $350 in U.S. dollars as of today. To me, The Ghost Box represents outstandingly excellent craftsmanship and is worth every penny. Let me explain why. • As a switching box, this is so secure and so deceptive, that I will have no hesitancy passing it around the table, allowing participants to look it over, put things in, take things out. Someone would literally have to have tools or magnets to explore the workings of this box. I am completely pleased by the hands-on nature of The Ghost Box. • Ease-of-Switch. There is no odd fumbling about necessary. If you visit Mr. Mallon’s site you can watch a video of the box in use. It truthfully demonstrates how everything is comfortable and natural and requires minimal (if any) misdirection. • Aesthetic flexibility. As noted above, Mr. Mallon was willing and able to address very specific appearance requirements. I didn’t have to “settle” for something off-the-shelf that was not quite right. • Ability to customize the audio/sound module. I’m a guy with ten thumbs and no technological skills. Yet it took me only about 5 minutes to customize the sound module that comes with The Ghost Box. What you get is an audio clip of ghostly writing (sounds of chalk scratching on a blackboard). However, you can simply save the provided MP3 file to your laptop (everything charges and links via USB), and exchange it for whatever free download MP3 file you want to use for your specific routine. Again: absolutely quick and simple. Control of audio is likewise simple and reliable from a very workable distance. • Customer service. I’ve had the pleasure to work with some VERY nice folks who are excellent builders of custom props, effects, and gaffs (a call-out to Marc Charrise, and Jeremy from The Hanrahan Gaff Company as examples of true professionals and consistently helpful people) --- and Chris Mallon is now on that list. He was quick to respond to questions, upfront, expedient, honest --- and obviously extremely talented as a builder. • Value-adds. The Ghost Box comes with a great, aged, alphabet deck and routine. You can see these on Mr. Mallon’s website. Although I did not need these specifically for my near-term project, they are a great set of unusual, marked cards, and I will be using them. Conclusion: An excellent purchase. A disclaimer: I have no connection with Mr. Mallon’s business. I am providing this overwhelmingly positive review of The Ghost Box because all of us, as mentalists or magicians, have been disappointed at one time or another (sometimes often) by the quality of purchased products. I feel it right and necessary to call attention to those among us whose expertise is capable of providing props and effects that represent exceptionally high, reliable quality. The Ghost Box is an example of needing something specific, receiving something that meets or exceeds those specific needs, and constitutes an entirely satisfying buying experience. |
rowdymagi5 Inner circle Virginia 3614 Posts |
Very nice! I will be purchasing a box soon! Thanks for posting this.
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