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Mb217
Inner circle
V.I.P. ;)
5752 Posts
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Posted: Apr 15, 2012 8:02pm
Chess, I was just giving my thoughts on all this, not really pointing at anyone. Perhaps you haven't had issues with them but I'm sure you have also read where people have spoken to that same "contrary" you speak of. Just think people should be nice moreso than not as to buyers and sellers. Oh and I brought up other craftsmen here because I think they are relative to the discussion. No disrespect meant to anyone as to any of it.
*Check out my latest Crimp Change - REDUX! and other fine magic at www.vinnymarini.com 
"Not much new under the sun I hear but under the moon, well who knows, that just might be a horse of a different color." -Mb
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Bendy
Elite user
Kissimmee, Florida
449 Posts
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Posted: Apr 16, 2012 12:52am
Jamie has been at Magic-Con all weekend and there was travel and setup time prior to that. I know he made me a set a couple of years ago and contact with him and the work to be done revolved around his presentation schedule at a convention that was going on at the time. It was no big deal and he fully communicated that to me.
I'm guessing you'll hear from him shortly after he returns from the convention and has time to sort through his e-mails. I have a couple of friends with Lassen products. Though they're nice coins, I personally find Jamie's work/products superior to Lassen's. ...But that's just my personal viewpoint. Others will tell you the opposite. Personal choice. But it's a one-man operation and Jamie is currently out of his workshop on business. Please be patient while he returns and gets back to business. The result - in service and workmanship - will be worth the wait. :o)
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itlust
Regular user
170 Posts
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Posted: Apr 16, 2012 3:08am
Dunno why but I smell blood here ... (if you know what I mean ...)
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Christopher Williams
Inner circle
Plymouth, UK
4268 Posts
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Posted: Apr 16, 2012 8:54am
Wow! Like that a lot 
I have had contact with a coin maker mentioned in this thread who said he has a set of what I want but is also at a convention (Not Schoolcraft) so I will be getting that.
I have had both Lassen and Schoolcraft coins, I think both are work of arts, but I think Lassen just edges it for me. I know they are busy guys etc, just think they could either find half hour out of their day or get someone else to reply to emails and queries for them to maintain customer service, but I guess that comes from me being in Sales business for years. I'll probably get a little bashing for that, but it is only my opinion, even just an automatic reply set up saying it can take up to a week to reply would help
www.magicman13.co.uk
http://www.magicman13.co.uk/blog.php
Keep up to date with news in the Magicman13 Blog!
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Chessmann
Inner circle
My Dog Has Peed On
2753 Posts
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Posted: Apr 16, 2012 10:20am
Christopher, you're not saying anything that has not been already been said. And really, you're right - it would be nice for communication to be better. But everyone decides to run their life and business how they see fit.
My ex-cat is named "Muffin". "Vomit" would be a better name for her. AKA "The Evil Ball of Fur".
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BanzaiMagic
Special user
887 Posts
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Posted: Apr 16, 2012 10:26am
Quote:
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On 2012-04-16 08:54, Christopher Williams wrote:
Wow! Like that a lot
I have had contact with a coin maker mentioned in this thread who said he has a set of what I want but is also at a convention (Not Schoolcraft) so I will be getting that.
I have had both Lassen and Schoolcraft coins, I think both are work of arts, but I think Lassen just edges it for me. I know they are busy guys etc, just think they could either find half hour out of their day or get someone else to reply to emails and queries for them to maintain customer service, but I guess that comes from me being in Sales business for years. I'll probably get a little bashing for that, but it is only my opinion, even just an automatic reply set up saying it can take up to a week to reply would help
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Perhaps you might want to read this thread where the business practices of our gaff makers are discussed: http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewtopic.php?topic=417308&forum=202&start=90
Please remember, with all of the custom coin makers, they are artists and craftsmen first. Business is secondary.
Alan
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Mb217
Inner circle
V.I.P. ;)
5752 Posts
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Posted: Apr 16, 2012 11:45am
Quote:
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On 2012-04-16 08:54, Christopher Williams wrote:
...I have had both Lassen and Schoolcraft coins, I think both are work of arts, but I think Lassen just edges it for me. I know they are busy guys etc, just think they could either find half hour out of their day or get someone else to reply to emails and queries for them to maintain customer service, but I guess that comes from me being in Sales business for years. I'll probably get a little bashing for that, but it is only my opinion, even just an automatic reply set up saying it can take up to a week to reply would help
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Yep, that's about how I see it as well...It truly doesn't seem like brain surgery IMHO. I mean "Cool Otis" is a pretty nice website truth be told, a little better communication and resposiveness should'nt be so hard, ya'think?  But behind the demand for the work, such slack is allowed from these sellers and that's about how it has become an accepted standard around here as to the business part of this business. This is unique in that sketchy customer service usually doesn't continue to make you good money for long, or it least it shouldn't if it continues, becomes regular practice. If collectively people didn't stand for it so readily then it would change, usually for the better as the seller begins to feel the message in his pocketbook, artist or not. Basically, you usually get what your hand calls for and in general if you keep doing what you always did, you'll keep getting what you always got, or somethin' like that. I'm just sayin'.
*Check out my latest Crimp Change - REDUX! and other fine magic at www.vinnymarini.com
"Not much new under the sun I hear but under the moon, well who knows, that just might be a horse of a different color." -Mb
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pabloinus
Inner circle
1055 Posts
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Posted: Apr 16, 2012 12:40pm
Banzai, business is never secondary, unless they have another source of income and making coins is a hobby. Not sure on been Artists, for sure they are great machinist/craftsmen.
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Christopher Williams
Inner circle
Plymouth, UK
4268 Posts
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Posted: Apr 16, 2012 1:20pm
Quote:
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On 2012-04-16 11:45, Mb217 wrote:
Quote:
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On 2012-04-16 08:54, Christopher Williams wrote:
...I have had both Lassen and Schoolcraft coins, I think both are work of arts, but I think Lassen just edges it for me. I know they are busy guys etc, just think they could either find half hour out of their day or get someone else to reply to emails and queries for them to maintain customer service, but I guess that comes from me being in Sales business for years. I'll probably get a little bashing for that, but it is only my opinion, even just an automatic reply set up saying it can take up to a week to reply would help
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Yep, that's about how I see it as well...It truly doesn't seem like brain surgery IMHO. I mean "Cool Otis" is a pretty nice website truth be told, a little better communication and resposiveness should'nt be so hard, ya'think? But behind the demand for the work, such slack is allowed from these sellers and that's about how it has become an accepted standard around here as to the business part of this business. This is unique in that sketchy customer service usually doesn't continue to make you good money for long, or it least it shouldn't if it continues, becomes regular practice. If collectively people didn't stand for it so readily then it would change, usually for the better as the seller begins to feel the message in his pocketbook, artist or not. Basically, you usually get what your hand calls for and in general if you keep doing what you always did, you'll keep getting what you always got, or somethin' like that. I'm just sayin'.
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Too true, also, the item I wanted, as I said a coin gaff maker has got back to me and so he is getting the order from me. At the end of the day it is their jobs and they need money from customers to keep themselves in business, the gaff I wanted is going to cost me $400 in total with shipping too... I contacted 5 coin makers, Lassen and Schoolcraft were 2 of them, in the time since I have had still no reply, I have had a reply from 2 others, and already agreed to order from one of those... $400 is quite a sum of money, and I don't ever care what I spend as long as I am happy with the level of customer service I get
www.magicman13.co.uk
http://www.magicman13.co.uk/blog.php
Keep up to date with news in the Magicman13 Blog!
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BanzaiMagic
Special user
887 Posts
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Posted: Apr 16, 2012 5:05pm
Quote:
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On 2012-04-16 12:40, pabloinus wrote:
Banzai, business is never secondary, unless they have another source of income and making coins is a hobby. Not sure on been Artists, for sure they are great machinist/craftsmen.
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Actually, if you have ever read Todd's blog, it kind of is. He consistently charges less than he could for his work, his kindness and giveaways to young deserving magicians are legend and his focus on quality and inventiveness sometimes leads to far lower profitability than he intended, yet he continues that focus regardless.
I guess you could say that Todd is a pretty good businessman, because he has a loyal following and makes enough from his efforts to have a good life, but my point was to provide information to those who are considering buying from Todd so that they can know what to expect. Todd has written in his blog that he has tried to improve his email response and has even added a place to post complaints but he still gets very behind with the number of emails he receives. As many have said, telephone is best (sorry Europeans). Try to establish a relationship so that he knows who you are. Use his blog to communicate with him. Try to buy during runs that he is doing (much more efficient for him and speedy way for you to get items you want). If you need to complain, do so with respect.
Sorry about the description of Todd as an artist. That's probably a bit over the top. I have a bunch of his gaffs and they amaze me every time I use them and I think of them as art - but that's just me, I guess.
Regards,
Alan
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lukecloughmagic
Loyal user
203 Posts
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Posted: Apr 16, 2012 5:39pm
I've emailed Todd about a week ago requesting details about gimmicks used in a video on his blog, with the aim of buying them, possibly two Triple Threats, and have yet to hear anything back still, being from UK phone calls are a bit out of the question! be nice to get a mail back as I was/am very interested!
www.lukecloughmagic.co.uk
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J-Mac
Inner circle
Ridley Park, PA
3005 Posts
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Posted: Apr 17, 2012 1:49am
I think that Todd Lassen probably makes as much as he possibly can and wants, based purely on his reputation. Yes, he could get greedy, hire some clerical types to handle orders and train a few apprentices... But like I said, he most likely makes all that he wants and prefers to make each single gaffed coin himself. He's an artist and to be honest he seems to get a heck of a lot of coin sets made all be himself. He has no need to change the way he does business, so I doubt that he will. Yes, there are other very good custom coin makers out there but I believe that Todd still has the reputation that keeps him perpetually busy running his business just the way it is now.
I'm a rank amateur and I really can't afford the kind of custom sets that you all are discussing. But if I could - and I really hope to be able to someday - I will order from Todd Lassen. If I'm going to spend that kind of cash, I am going to make sure I get the very best.
Thanks!
Jim
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Mb217
Inner circle
V.I.P. ;)
5752 Posts
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Posted: Apr 17, 2012 10:11am
Well, even with the best stuff you might still be a rank amateur, actually most people are I would think. It's not really the coins but that's another story. Anyway, it's good to know that if you don't get to that point to afford "the very best" as you say, that you will still have other great craftsman to choose from and still be more than good enough.
*Check out my latest Crimp Change - REDUX! and other fine magic at www.vinnymarini.com
"Not much new under the sun I hear but under the moon, well who knows, that just might be a horse of a different color." -Mb
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J-Mac
Inner circle
Ridley Park, PA
3005 Posts
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Posted: Apr 17, 2012 12:15pm
Quote:
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On 2012-04-17 10:11, Mb217 wrote:
Well, even with the best stuff you might still be a rank amateur, actually most people are I would think. It's not really the coins but that's another story. Anyway, it's good to know that if you don't get to that point to afford "the very best" as you say, that you will still have other great craftsman to choose from and still be more than good enough.
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Never, ever said that any gaff would make me anything more than what I am! ("I yam what I yam and that's all that I yam..." Remember him?!) However if I somehow had the discretionary funds sitting in my pocket just burning holes and screaming to come out - and I happened to browse by Todd's site and saw one of those things of beauty beckoning to me like Sirens - I might just buy a set to savor and drool over. I doubt that I could do them much justice with these dry and very beaten hands but I would love them just the same.
Can you say that you own no magic apparatus that isn't necessary for your magic but you wanted it - well - just because you wanted it? You have never indulged yourself just a little? C'mon, Marion! Not even any boxing memorabilia that you just like to look at and admire? I'll go on record that if you say no to everything then I don’t believe you, big guy!
Jim
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Mb217
Inner circle
V.I.P. ;)
5752 Posts
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Posted: Apr 17, 2012 12:49pm
I don't have any problem with "rank amateurs" heck, I resemble that remark myself. Just pointing out an aside as to the dynamics of what's best and what's what in the larger perspective. And I do understand collecting things for collecting-sake, nothing wrong with that and surely these craftsman make the little trinkets crazy coin guys like us like to have whether we can afford it or not. And I do have some nice sets, as I've mentioned before around this place but I'm sure I'd still be considered a hoofer rather than a dancer by most of these collectors. You could collect from the level where you're at, that's a thought as there's some real good stuff around there as well I hear.
Got some boxing momentos for sure but nothing I ever had to shell out big time for or perhaps would've if I could've. Best thing I ever got from boxing was something I could'nt show you if I wanted to, it was a big bear hug from Ali for teaching him a trick he always wanted to learn, but I digress (but just for you).
But I understand your point my friend and nothing wrong with getting it if you got it to get it with. Heck, that's what it's for. Hey and if you can't get it, then dreaming of it is the next best thing. Though I would prefer a set of them Sirens over a trick set of Morgans any day.
And don't worry, you'll be "drooling" soon enough my friend ...As in I'm sure that big set you want is on its way down to you from on high.
*Check out my latest Crimp Change - REDUX! and other fine magic at www.vinnymarini.com
"Not much new under the sun I hear but under the moon, well who knows, that just might be a horse of a different color." -Mb
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Chessmann
Inner circle
My Dog Has Peed On
2753 Posts
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Posted: Apr 17, 2012 1:05pm
There are certainly cases where it is the coins. I have one effect in a standard half and English Penny. I also have this is a silver dollar and copper crown. The effect is the same, but the beauty of the coins most definitely adds to the spectators interest and enchantment.
The effect is the same, but the apparatus adds another layer. This can be said of all kinds of magic.
This is the same kind of discussion that has been seen here at the Café re: Sherwood Sterling Silver cups vs. less expensive cups.
Interesting discussions, and of course, no definitive 'right' or 'wrong' answers.
On a completely different note, re: any craftsman who works alone, I wonder if some of the issue might - in the back of their minds - revolve somewhat around how much work they can handle without getting overloaded. I suppose this would more likely be more an issue of advertising their work than customer service...though if customer service gets better, so will (ideally) be numbers of orders. Just an idle thought.
My ex-cat is named "Muffin". "Vomit" would be a better name for her. AKA "The Evil Ball of Fur".
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Mb217
Inner circle
V.I.P. ;)
5752 Posts
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Posted: Apr 17, 2012 1:26pm
Quote:
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On 2012-04-17 13:05, Chessmann wrote:
Interesting discussions, and of course, no definitive 'right' or 'wrong' answers.
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Yep, I agree.
*Check out my latest Crimp Change - REDUX! and other fine magic at www.vinnymarini.com
"Not much new under the sun I hear but under the moon, well who knows, that just might be a horse of a different color." -Mb
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Chessmann
Inner circle
My Dog Has Peed On
2753 Posts
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Posted: Apr 17, 2012 1:35pm
What's the deal with the "e" at the end of the word "Café" showing as a diamond with a question mark inside?
And for the apostrophe in the last sentence of J-Mac' post?
Is that just a Firefox thing? Have to test that out.
My ex-cat is named "Muffin". "Vomit" would be a better name for her. AKA "The Evil Ball of Fur".
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BanzaiMagic
Special user
887 Posts
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Posted: Apr 17, 2012 2:28pm
Quote:
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On 2012-04-17 13:35, Chessmann wrote:
What's the deal with the "e" at the end of the word "Café" showing as a diamond with a question mark inside?
And for the apostrophe in the last sentence of J-Mac' post?
Is that just a Firefox thing? Have to test that out.
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Doesn't show up that way on my IPad, Chess.
Marion, seriously? Ali? What trick did you teach him?
Just goes to show how much more memories are worth than "things".
Alan
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J-Mac
Inner circle
Ridley Park, PA
3005 Posts
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Posted: Apr 17, 2012 6:13pm
Quote:
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On 2012-04-17 13:35, Chessmann wrote:
What's the deal with the "e" at the end of the word "Café" showing as a diamond with a question mark inside?
And for the apostrophe in the last sentence of J-Mac' post?
Is that just a Firefox thing? Have to test that out.
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Huh? Are drinking something good there Chess?
I don't see any of that. Sounds like a Unicode vs. Microsoft character set issue. When your browser doesn't recognize a character on a web page it replaces it with that symbol you see.
Jim
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Chessmann
Inner circle
My Dog Has Peed On
2753 Posts
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Posted: Apr 17, 2012 8:43pm
It was there for a little while on Firefox. Went to IE, and it wasn't there. Re-opened Firefox and all was well. Odd, but kind of funny, too.
My ex-cat is named "Muffin". "Vomit" would be a better name for her. AKA "The Evil Ball of Fur".
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Dougini
Inner circle
I have killed more topics with my
4526 Posts
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Posted: Apr 19, 2012 5:38pm
Quote:
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On 2012-04-17 14:28, BanzaiMagic wrote:
Marion, seriously? Ali? What trick did you teach him?
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Yeah, Banzai, seriously! Marion has a history in boxing. Incredible! I only spoke to Ali once on the phone when I was the executive producer for Smitty's Ringside seat (now a Showtime program). I cannot imagine being able to teach him a magic trick! AND getting a bear hug??? WOW! 
Doug
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cablerock
Veteran user
349 Posts
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Posted: Apr 19, 2012 7:38pm
Okay, I rang in a bit before, but very few people have the opportunity to do a real side by side comparison. Here is the thing that convinced me to stick with Lassen. Left=schoolcraft, right=lassen.
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/12/img0500mh.jpg/
3 pics there. These are open flippers, showing the remilled edges/thicknesses.
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Trooper11040
Special user
Mount Joy, PA
660 Posts
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Posted: Apr 19, 2012 9:07pm
Quote:
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On 2012-04-19 19:38, cablerock wrote:
Okay, I rang in a bit before, but very few people have the opportunity to do a real side by side comparison. Here is the thing that convinced me to stick with Lassen. Left=schoolcraft, right=lassen.
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/12/img0500mh.jpg/
3 pics there. These are open flippers, showing the remilled edges/thicknesses.
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I concur...I have had both schoolcraft and Lassen...Lassen is by far better in terms of quality...I will send my money to Lassen...
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lukecloughmagic
Loyal user
203 Posts
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Posted: Apr 20, 2012 7:03am
That's a great pic, I'd love to see a comparison of the TTT and 3CM next to each other, from what I've heard the 3CM looks more like one coin when nested?
www.lukecloughmagic.co.uk
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David Neighbors
V.I.P.
3136 Posts
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Posted: Apr 20, 2012 10:21am
Yea but you can't have it both ways! Then it looks way to thin when it's unnested !
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TWOCAN
Special user
PORT RICHEY FLORIDA
671 Posts
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Posted: Apr 20, 2012 10:36am
This is true David.
Close up coin magic.
Okito box clip.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=100n9CnFjXw
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cablerock
Veteran user
349 Posts
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Posted: Apr 20, 2012 11:51am
Quote:
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On 2012-04-20 07:03, lukecloughmagic wrote:
That's a great pic, I'd love to see a comparison of the TTT and 3CM next to each other, from what I've heard the 3CM looks more like one coin when nested?
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I only have a couple gaffs. I do have a 3t, but not a 3cm. The 3t is not particularly thin once nested, but the trade off is that each of the coins is very deceptive on its own, and the in***t is thick enough/good enough milling that I could easily get it mixed with other coins.
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J-Mac
Inner circle
Ridley Park, PA
3005 Posts
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Posted: Apr 20, 2012 11:48pm
Quote:
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On 2012-04-19 17:38, Dougini wrote:
Quote:
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On 2012-04-17 14:28, BanzaiMagic wrote:
Marion, seriously? Ali? What trick did you teach him?
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Yeah, Banzai, seriously! Marion has a history in boxing. Incredible! I only spoke to Ali once on the phone when I was the executive producer for Smitty's Ringside seat (now a Showtime program). I cannot imagine being able to teach him a magic trick! AND getting a bear hug??? WOW!
Doug
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A history in boxing?!? An understatement! I've been trying to get him to give me HIS autograph!
Here's a comment a bout one of his TV shows:
Quote:
| Marion Boykin, one of the world's most knowledgeable and passionate boxing experts, was the Creator, Host, Producer of the now legendary, "Boykin on Boxing" cable TV show. Boykin, a Harlem native and a pillar of the community, is a long time Time Warner Cable TV executive and heads a nationally ranked Little League baseball team in North Jersey. |
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Take a peek: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDz-exjMFz4
Jim
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BanzaiMagic
Special user
887 Posts
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Posted: Apr 21, 2012 7:30am
Thanks, Jim.
I still want to know what trick Marion taught Ali.
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