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Daniel Santos Special user 562 Posts |
Okay, so I'm sure you guys are sick of hearing about the dang appearing straw/pole/pencil, etc.! Funny, when I searched the Café for an answer I ended up coming across this old post I made several years ago, the last chunk partially discussing the issue that this topic is related to: http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/searc......=3927969
haha, Anyway...if you don't care to read the post (I don't blame you if not!), here's my problem: many moons ago I had purchased an appearing straw, the standard 8 foot variety. It was one of my personal favorite items to use simply because of the reaction it received in performance. It was really just perfect. I could keep it rolled up for weeks on end and it would still function like new. Unfortunately, after performing a show at a summer camp one year I left it in one of the bunk houses where it was later discarded. I figured all appearing items were essentially the same, so I ordered another one. When I got the package, I opened it up and new right away that something was different. This new one was very shiny and seemed like a much harder plastic material (should that make sense to any other owners of this apparatus), whereas my older one, from what I recall, had a nice soft vinyl feel. I attempted to use the straw on several occasions without the same excellent results. I always seemed to have issues with it, and I certainly never kept it rolled up as long as I did with my old one because if I dared keep it collapsed for more than 10 minutes it wouldn't unroll correctly. (This led to that section on the straw in my above post in the worst experience topic!) It was really just a piece of junk and it's still sitting in my basement. To be honest, it was such a key component of my act that, after realizing I was at a loss, I stopped performing for a LONG time while I searched for something to replace it (which is why I haven't been on the Café in such a long time). Well, I'm back and am curious to see if anyone knows what exactly I'm talking about. haha If you do and can point me in the right direction, your help would be greatly appreciated. (College doesn't pay for itself, so getting my act back together would sure be nice! haha) Thanks in advance for taking the time to sit through my frustrations! Dan |
Bill Hegbli Eternal Order Fort Wayne, Indiana 22797 Posts |
I can't believe an Appearing Straw would have you give up performing. There must have been another effect that you enjoyed performing. One effect does not make an act or a Magician.
Sounds like you purchased a different make or model then your 1st Appearing Straw. Maybe you could check the original instructions and see if they put a contact info on it. I don't know what your question is, but you will have to purchase another Appearing Straw. Purchase from the same dealer or contact him with your concerns about the material it is made of. The internet has hundreds of listing and you could start checking these out. The person who started the Appearing Giant Stuff is Wayne Rogers, here is his web address to the products. http://www.nzmagic.com/productpgFEB2009.html |
Sam Sandler Inner circle 2487 Posts |
Well first off I agree soem of the newer ones are not the same material as soemtimes the material they were using is not available any more.
that being said have you tried opening it up then put rubber bands around it one at each end and then 2 near the middle but spread out. holding it closed then leave it for about 2 weeks in that postion and then I am willing to bet it will pop open at your next show. I do agree you should not leave it rolled up for a long period of time. I keep mine extended and roll it up jsut before I leave for a show and then open it when I get there. then of course roll it back up jsut before th e show starts and load it in what ever it is you are using to produce it. this should solve your problem let me know sam
sam sandler- America's only full-time DEAF Illusionist
http://www.samsandler.com http://www.deafinitelymagic.com |
Daniel Santos Special user 562 Posts |
Haha Well, the Appearing Straw isn't the only thing that stopped me from performing. It also consisted of plain ol' high school work...including massive research papers, drama rehearsals galore, concert tours abroad...but I do admit to losing such a cherished item of mine! It was like losing a child. ;-(
Kidding aside, I really have been looking for that same one for ages! There was this guy in Milford named Nick Moriello (?) who had a shop called Balloon and Magic. I purchased the straw from him a LONG time ago (I'm talking maybe 4th/5th grade here). It didn't come with instructions (I think it was his last), though he explained the process of using it very thouroughly to me. I was literally handed it rolled up with a couple of rubberbands around it. Unfortunately, he closed his shop down several years ago. The last time I saw him, he was running the store out of the basement of his home and I had gone with a friend in the 8th grade to pick up some new stuff for a school show. Before I invest in another straw (and yes, I am determined to find that straw!), I want to make sure I'm purchasing one of the same caliber. These things aren't cheap (and if they are, they're probably like the one that I currently have collecting dust)! Mr. Sandler, having received instructions with the latest straw and even seeking help from others, believe me when I say that I've done virtually everything to maintain that straw. It's really just not worth it. I normally do just as you state, right down to collapsing it just before my performance. Even then it doesn't seem to function well. Thanks for your advice, though! |
jimhlou Inner circle 3698 Posts |
They don't make things like they used to. In an effort to cut down costs and maximize profits, manufacturers (including magic equipment) are cranking out endless piles of crap. There are a couple of exceptions (Lou and his steel balls and the fellow making the #150.00 ring flight), and these folks should be congratulated.
Jim |
Sam Sandler Inner circle 2487 Posts |
Well that's a bummer dan sorry to hear it did not work for you.
I do know that mak magic sells acouple good ones. not sure who maked them. but Iam think daytona magic carries their appearing pole, wand, pencil etc. give harry at daytona magic a call and tell him I sent you and he will asnwer all your questions for you. good luck sam
sam sandler- America's only full-time DEAF Illusionist
http://www.samsandler.com http://www.deafinitelymagic.com |
Daniel Santos Special user 562 Posts |
Very true, Jim. It's upsetting, but 'tis life I suppose!
Sam, thanks for the reference. I've actually dealt with Daytona Magic many times in the past and only have good things to say. I'll definitely send a message their way. Thanks again! Dan |
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