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Bill Palmer Eternal Order Only Jonathan Townsend has more than 24312 Posts |
I just received the Paul Kozak Superior Long Salt Pour with my morning shipment from UPS. Before I tell you my impressions of the apparatus and the instructional DVD, let me give you my qualifications to review it.
I have been fascinated by the Long Salt Pour for more than 30 years. I learned the technique of handling the gimmick from Dai Vernon, who taught the correct way to steal the gaff at his $1000 lecture in Arlington, Texas. I started collecting salt pour gimmicks after that. I have a Danny Dew/Paul Fox small salt pour gimmick, a couple of Presley Guitar gimmicks, some James Riser gimmicks and a bunch of them that most people have never heard of. All have their advantages and disadvantages. So, what about this one. Well, friends, this salt pour gimmick holds a huge amount of salt, more than any of the ones I have just mentioned. It is machined from solid brass and powder coated with a non-reflective "flesh colored" finish. Now, what about the gimmick, itself. This one has a different shape than any other gimmick on the list. Its unique shape allows you to place it in your case, on a shelf or in your pocket without worrying about it turning over. It is designed with manipulation in mind, and this particular design has been worked out to make the steal of the gimmick indetectible. I'm not going to post any pictures of the gimmick. That wouldn't be fair to Paul Kozak or Hocus Pocus. But, considering that Paul has been doing this for 20+ years, he has definitely removed all the wrinkles from it. The DVD starts out with Paul's routine. You get to see the whole thing, just like you were right there in the audience at the World's Greatest Magic Show. You will want to watch this again after you have seen the explanation. The explanation which follows the performance tells everything you need to know. You learn what kind of salt to use, what BRAND of salt to use (it does make a difference!) and the kind of saltshaker to buy to get the maximum impact of the initial vanish of the salt. He also shows you how to load the gimmick. You can actually increase the amount of salt you pour into the gimmick by about 25% - 30% by following his simple instructions. He tells you what kind of clothing to wear. This is very important. He discusses lighting. If the audience can't see the salt, it's not going to impress them. And he discusses and demonstrates the proper handling of the gimmick. The gimmick almost manipulates itself. I'm sure you are wondering whether you will be able to handle the gimmick. Paul has very large hands. I have small hands. I can work with this gimmick. The control of the flow of the salt from the gimmick is almost automatic. His method produces a wide, flat stream of salt that catches the light. Paul also discusses what to do with the salt you pour from the gimmick. You can't just pour it on the stage in most venues. If you have a dance act following you, they really won't like that salt. So he tells you how to take care of that problem. Paul thoroughly discusses the motivation for every move during the routine. This includes stealing the gimmick and all of the other aspects, as well. Amazingly, all during the demonstration, he is performing with an unpainted gimmick, and he never flashes it a single time during the demonstration. This should settle some discussions about the finish of the gimmick. Near the end of the video, Paul does something that I did not expect. He gives the purchaser permission to use his routine, including his music. The music is really one of the keys to the routine. Now, the big question -- is it worth the money? If you are actually going to perform the Long Salt Pour, it definitely is. I don't know of a single other salt pour gimmick that has had this much research behind it. I certainly haven't seen one that comes with instructions this detailed. And it comes with a money back guarantee. To those who say that it doesn't look like the salt is coming out of his hand, well, I really must disagree. Maybe I have the advantage on you. I have actually seen Paul perform this live in Las Vegas. To the crowd, it looked like the salt was coming out of his hand, and the reaction from the crowd is amazing. Don't sell the layman short. And don't sell Paul's routine short, either. If you know the Kaps routine, you know something that you can do as a real convincer, but it really isn't necessary in this case. One other thing, the salt pour isn't just about the amount of salt you can get into the gimmick. It's about what you do with it. I'm really glad I have mine! I hope you make good use of yours.
"The Swatter"
Founder of CODBAMMC My Chickasaw name is "Throws Money at Cups." www.cupsandballsmuseum.com |
tikiman New user 57 Posts |
Wow! Thanks for the review. I am seriously looking into this, and this info is really helpful.
The song I heard in the clip I saw was "Tequila" and if this is the song he's giving perfomance rights to, I'd check with the recording companies first before using it. |
Harry Murphy Inner circle Maryland 5444 Posts |
Thanks for the review Bill. It is especially valid to me knowing your credentials as a performer and a collector. Being able to compare and contrast the various gimmicks is very helpful. Plus, having actually seen Kozak live, in person, at work is even that more helpful.
Your discussion of hand size helps me visualize the handling and gives me one more important answer to questions I must ask when considering such a prop (like you I have small hands, very small hands!). Thanks for taking the time to write the review.
The artist formally known as Mumblepeas!
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magicinsight Inner circle 4293 Posts |
Bill,
Thank you for your very helpful review and thank you also for answering my questions in your Pms. Your knowledge in this effect as well as many other effects is beyond reproach and your insight based upon many years of hands on experience is invaluable. Best regards, Michael
“Belief matters more than truth. Every moment, belief in imaginary things alters lives while truth sits unnoticed and waits.”
—Hakim, Loreweaver |
tabman Inner circle USA 5946 Posts |
Great review. Thanks!!!
-=tabman
...Your professional woodworking and "tender" loving care in the products you make, make the wait worthwhile. Thanks for all you do...
http://Sefalaljia.com |
Bill Palmer Eternal Order Only Jonathan Townsend has more than 24312 Posts |
Glad to help. Regarding the use of "Tequila," I should have worded that in such a way that it indicated that Paul gave his permission to use the same music he does. Naturally, you would have to take care of the performing rights to the music through the usual channels. For most performers, it is a non-issue, because the venue, in most cases, handles that in their normal ASCAP/BMI/SESAC performing fees.
But if you are not performing in such a venue, you will definitely have to take care of it yourself.
"The Swatter"
Founder of CODBAMMC My Chickasaw name is "Throws Money at Cups." www.cupsandballsmuseum.com |
Tom Cutts Staff Northern CA 5925 Posts |
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