Thumper (magic trick)

A thumper is a device used in a variety of magic tricks, typically with mentalism acts. It consists of small vibrating device that is triggered by a remote radio transmitter by a confederate in the audience. Practically any such device can be used, from custom equipment to everyday pagers.

In its most simple form, the confederate simply triggers the thumper at a given time. A classic example is to hide an object under a mug or cup, which the magician then discovers by slowly moving their hand over the cups and waiting for the thump. More complex forms can use codes.

External links

• Penn & Teller Fool Us season 2: Mike Hammer performs a typical thumper trick. The magician has the performer move to provide a better view for the confederate in the audience, asks them to pick up a color, and after receiving the signal, tells the performer which part of the image to color in.

References

• Clark, James (2012). Mind Magic and Mentalism For Dummies. John Wiley & Sons. pp. 281–283.