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Hernan Regular user San Francisco 126 Posts |
From where I stand, there are two extremes to the spectrum of choices.
One being the Cellini street table made of a waiters bus thingie. And School for scoundrels "Gazzo" table. What is everyone using. What would you rather use? What other choices are there? |
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Peter Marucci Inner circle 5389 Posts |
Other choices?
I use the obvious "other" choice: I use no table at all. You have far more flexibility, both in what you do and where you can go. And where you can go means both during your show and ease of movement to another location before or after the show. Too many magicians psychologically "hide" behind their tables. Get out there and interact with the audience! |
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Danny Hustle Inner circle Boston, MA USA 2393 Posts |
For the record, the table Gazzo actually uses more closely resembles the waiters stand than the one School for Scoundrels is selling. That one is a very nice table though.
Gazzo's new video on the cups and balls explains his table's construction quite well. One could be made from a waiter's tray stand. Gazzo chose to build his own to stand up to years of abuse but it is the exact dimensions of a tray stand. I built my own from a tray stand, a sheet of ply wood, some thin foam, and some upholstery fabric stapled to the plywood over the foam. Pretty easy if you think about it. Best, Dan- "MT is one of the reasons we started this board! I’m so sick of posts being deleted without any reason given, and by unknown people at that." - Steve Brooks Sep 7, 2001 8:38pm ©1999-2014 Daniel Denney all rights reserved. |
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MAGICTOM Veteran user Dallas, Tx 354 Posts |
I do use a table, not for "table hopping" I set it up at festival shows, and parties that I perform at. I also plan on using it at a local restaurant in the lobby area to entertain the guests while they wait to be seated.
Mine is about as simple and cheap as you can get. I went to Wal-Mart, purchased a nice wooden frame that was the same size as my large close up pad. I used 2-sided tape to attach the close up pad to the glass on the frame,it fit perfectly. Then all I do is set up my plain old wooden TV tray, and set the frame/pad assembly on it and Im ready to go. it looks really nice and its easy to pack-n-go with. Almost 90% of my tricks use spectator participation, and I mainly use the table as a display area to: Spread cards Show a certain number of coins Do an occaisional Matrix As a writing surface when a card is signed etc. It just makes things so much easier when I have it, or when I am able to have it. I would never carry a table or a close up pad if I were table hopping. I agree with Peter in the fact that when strolling or table hopping, everything should be in the hands and in the pockets. Another advantage of a table in a Street type of performance is that it establishes your presence. If you are standing there doing tricks, trying to draw a crowd, I have found that you blend in with the surrounding activities/people. And unless you are using fire or something flashy, the only people who know it would be ok to stop and watch are those that you speak to directly and invite. With a table, you do not have this problem. People will see the table and say "hmmm, what is he doing over there, lets go watch." I'm not claiming to know it all, and I am by far NOT the magician with a lot of experience. In fact, I have very few performances under my belt. But,I have found something that works for me and I just thought I would share. Later Tom
No Man is his craft's master the first day!
J.B. Bobo |
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KingStardog Inner circle 2134 Posts |
Order one of the commercial table bases, and go find a nice teak or oak serving tray to attach. Light weight and easy to handle, yet fine to use props on. It should fold down if you do it right.
On the tray, you will be able to use any type of mat, and wood has a magical look to it that complments most props. The plus here is the wood trays usualy have handles on each side making it easy to move around. Your side of the tray can have a zipper bag or servante. You can also install card and coin slots underneath the edge. Best of all you don't look like a clone of someone else. Not that I have one like that or anything.
...think not that all wisdom is in your school. You may have studied other paths,but, it is important to remember that no matter who you are or where you come from, there is always more to learn.
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RandomEffects Veteran user Boston, MA 323 Posts |
I actually went and built a table that stands about 3' and is just bigger than my close up mat. It also has a lower shelf on it for storing items that are not in use.
The real bonus is that it packs flat so that it is easy to transport to and from the shows. If anyone is interested in the plans for this just PM me. you can Build it yourself for under a $100 with parts all found at home depot. Though give me at least a week to get the info down on paper. Mat |
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Peter Marucci Inner circle 5389 Posts |
MagicTom writes: "if you are standing there doing tricks, trying to draw a crowd, I have found that you blend in with the surrounding activities/people..."
And that's a valid point. When I said I didn't use a table, I meant literally just a table; I do have a suitcase on wheels with an eight-foot pole, painted to look like a giant wand, with a sign on top mentioning me and what's happening (Magic and Balloons by Peter Marucci) or, if it's a sponsored gig, the sponsor's name as well. And, given what I wear, nobody is going to think that I blend in with the crowd! Bottom line: Tom's right; you have to have something that makes you stand out and, if a table works for you, then by all means use a table. It's just that I don't, for the reasons mentioned in my post. |
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Allen Gittelson Regular user San Francisco 145 Posts |
I have a nice wood stool that's just over 3 feet tall. I got it from Ikea for about $13.00. When I begin drawing a crowd and to begin my act, I'm stand on the stool. I've even had people report to others that I was extremely tall (over 7 feet); apparently they were not watching the table. That's great, as I'm there to interact with them, not to show off my table. The table is never the focus of attention, just something to stand on and to hold the occasional prop when needed during a routine. This method of breaking the ceiling really works for me to draw a crowd, and they can see me even if they are not up front. A note of caution: if you do this, please be careful not to fall and hurt yourself. I make the occasional wobbling entertaining as well as a part of the act.
People can also sit on the stool when that is needed in a routine. Also, I have a tip thang that hangs off the front at the perfect angle to encourage tips. Also, I use the stool to carry everything. If I can get some wheels onto the thing near the top without sacrificing the other benefits of this table/stool, then it will be even better. I use it for my regular non street gigs too. I've never gotten more value out of a piece of furniture, except for maybe my bed (but that's another story). In thoughts, Allen |
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TheAmbitiousCard Eternal Order Northern California 13425 Posts |
I use a keyboard stand I bought for about $30 from a music store. Its height is adjustable and I put a 2' by 3' padded board on top. I noticed that Sunny Holiday uses a keyboard stand as well in the cellini DVD.
It's fairly light weight, very strong, will last forever, and folds up nicely. I also put everything on a suitcase carrier with wheels when I come and go. This does not have as quick a "tear-down" as the cellini setup but it is very sturdy. I think my tabletop is a bit too large and right now it is covered in felt. my next version will be covered perhaps with pool table cloth unless someone else has a better idea. The tabletop also has a servant that I've stapled to it and hangs down. I don't use it as a secret place to ditch stuff but I do use it for keeping stranger cards, sponge balls, whatever. I got the servant pattern from the David Roth Coin Miracles Book.
www.theambitiouscard.com Hand Crafted Magic
Trophy Husband, Father of the Year Candidate, Chippendale's Dancer applicant, Unofficial World Record Holder. |
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vinsmagic Eternal Order sleeping with the fishes... 10957 Posts |
Go to NYC. The only table you will see on the streret is a wooden box with a piece of card board on top. Some hustlers doing the 3 Card Monte or the Shell Game are ready for a quick getaway.
vinny |
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ASW Inner circle 1879 Posts |
I like Cellini's suitcase on his DVD.
By the way, the Zauberladen Cellini tables are waaaaay too expensive for what they are. The cups are good value, though. Andrew
Whenever I find myself gripping anything too tightly I just ask myself "How would Guy Hollingworth hold this?"
A magician on the Genii Forum "I would respect VIPs if they respect history." Hideo Kato |
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Jim Davis Special user What is....? Utah 945 Posts |
Good topic... I personally use something very similar to Cellini.
I was using a non-portable, furniture quality table with a gibson pad. It's very nice, made of cherry wood, but bulky and hard to break down in a hurry. If I am offering a parlor show then this is the table I take with me. For the streets, Cellini hit it on the head in my opinion. I found a waiter tray stand made of light pine, and topped a 3'x1.5' plywood plank with fleece for padding then covered it with a tooled calfskin. My cost was around $100.00, and I have a great deal of time into it, but I am quite pround of how it fits my persona. Hernan, do what fits you, and what you can afford, but remember if it looks cheap, that's how people are going to perceive you. Then again maybe that's a good character to investigate?
Diamond Jim Davis "The Cardslinger" ~~~ Magic from the '80's....................the 1880's!
<BR><BR> <BR><BR>Don't just be a magician, be a human interest! <BR><BR> <BR><BR>[url]www.periodplayers.com[/ur |
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Kozmo V.I.P. 5473 Posts |
I like the tray stand. My reason is, you can move it easily while in performance to help build an audience. You can go from a close-up effect, and then move the table back a few feet and you are in position to perform for a much larger group. The suitcase does not allow for that.
koz |
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BroDavid Inner circle America’s North Coast, Ohio 3176 Posts |
I just picked up a relatively inexpensive table item that needs only a little bit of customization, but has all the potential to be - small enough and yet big enough, portable, cheap ($20 for basic item) and sturdy, as well as the right height (I plan to make it adjust between two settings).
Tonight I will be making the changes needed to turn this thing into "my perfect street table". (Probably not perfect for everyone else, but still - pretty good...) I am real excited as I am ready to really work out putting the finishing touches on my cups and balls routine and was holding out for the right table. I looked at building one from wood, and just the raw wood alone would cost me more than this, and be way heavier. And then I'd still have to build it! I will be happy to share this table idea with any of the Serious Street regulars here via PM. If mine works out anywhere near as well as I hope. I plan to offer the instructions for conversion and/or the completed/converted tables for sale. This is just too good! Or at least that what I think! BroDavid
If you stand for nothing, you will fall for anything.
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KingStardog Inner circle 2134 Posts |
Oh oh... My adjustable stand got a crimp in it when some stuff fell on it in the garage Maybe will bring a new Eureka base for me.
Decided on a two peice copper pipe stand for the tray top table. Have the copper cut and ready to put together. Schedule L so the base will be nice and heavy. Might be ready by the weekend.
...think not that all wisdom is in your school. You may have studied other paths,but, it is important to remember that no matter who you are or where you come from, there is always more to learn.
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Pokie-Poke Special user Bensalem, PA 883 Posts |
I was looking into the waiter stands, $15. will get you a small crome plated one. The wooden ones were about $35. and had 2 sizes.
BroDavid, I would be intersted in your idea, although the waiter stand may be the way I go, ajustable height would come in handy.
www.pokie-poke.com
The Adventure cont... |
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BroDavid Inner circle America’s North Coast, Ohio 3176 Posts |
Pokie, I sent you a PM with the information in it.
And if have the Gazzo tape on cups and balls, at the end of his teaching, he throws out some additional tips, and he gives an idea on changing the height on the wooden waiter's table. Simple, but effective. My idea on the total table is in the PM. But here is another thought on the Waiter's table. The straps on the top could each be a Webbed belt with a buckle in the middle facing down so it wouldn't interfere with the top. The belt I am thinking of is like used by some military (Navy I think) and I have seen them at Army surplus stores. It doesn't have holes in it, so it is infinitely adjustable. Or maybe you could probably find something suitable at GoodWill or Salvation Army as long as you got two similar enough to function. Then you would only need to cinch, or loosen a bit to move the height up or down, and it would stay without trying to tie knots or that sort of thing. Just a thought! BroDavid
If you stand for nothing, you will fall for anything.
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KingStardog Inner circle 2134 Posts |
Table is all done! and its beautiful. All copper stand and teak wood top. Everthing went great. I'm in for about $30 for a completely customized table, that looks good enough to go anywhere.
...think not that all wisdom is in your school. You may have studied other paths,but, it is important to remember that no matter who you are or where you come from, there is always more to learn.
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WizzBang Regular user 125 Posts |
I made a table described in a book called "The Table Book". I have covered in newspaper and it folds up flat and looks just like a newspaper. To start the act I throw the newspaper in the air it assembles itself mid air and I catch it and place it down ready to begin. Depending on my mood I sometimes withdraw a vase with red rose for the centre setting. It certainly gets some attention.
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Harry Murphy Inner circle Maryland 5444 Posts |
The older I get, the less I want to truck around on the street. I am even rethinking my table as being too heavy (homemade waiters stand type table). Presently, everything I use fits into a fanny pack and my Giberciere.
I have been playing with the stool idea mentioned by Allen above. I took a strong unpainted wooden stool (Lowe’s) and drilled a hole in the top. I can stand on the stool (again Allen’s idea and it works!) to attract attention. It takes only a split-second to drop the tabletop (a 18 x 24 inch board covered with foam and felt) onto the stool. The board has a bolt centered under it. The bolt goes through the hole and a wing nut spun on to keep the whole mess in place. It seems solid enough to do a very vigorous cups and balls or chop cup routine. I can hang my Giberciere off the back of my tabletop to act as combination of shelves and servante or wear and use it in the traditional way. To carry, I simply turn the stool upside down, the loaded Giberciere, the fanny bag, and a bottle or two of water are all dropped in a homemade bag (OK a glorified pillow case) which is dropped between the legs of the upside down stool. The top is fastened by loops to the legs and a shoulder strap is fixed to one leg (top and bottom) and the whole thing carried like a duffel bag to wherever I’m going. It is fairly easy to schlep around and no more uncomfortable than my tray table setup.
The artist formally known as Mumblepeas!
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