|
|
Starrpower Inner circle 4070 Posts |
Has anyone built or bought Steinmeyer's "Strange Power" light bulb trick? If so, how did it go over for you? Is (has) anyone building this one?
|
Ron Reid Inner circle Phoenix, Arizona 2732 Posts |
Is this the effect that was in his MAGIC magazine column? The box with the red light bulb?
If so, I have it on my list of things to make - I'd also like to know if anyone has actually done this. Ron |
Starrpower Inner circle 4070 Posts |
Yep, that's the one. It also appears in his book "Strange Power." In the explanation for this effect he indicates that this is one he's actually made, but I see it nowhere. It seems to me it would be sometthing that a builder would have picked up on.
|
Powermagic Inner circle 1437 Posts |
What issue is it in? What is the effect?
|
Starrpower Inner circle 4070 Posts |
Don't know what issue. It uses the Pepper's Ghost method to make a light bulb change colors (white to red and back again) and finally the bulb is shattered, only to again magically light. Looks very nice, but seems like a real nightmare to get everything "lined up" visually to make it work correclty.
|
Starrpower Inner circle 4070 Posts |
May 1997 issue of MAGIC.
|
Starrpower Inner circle 4070 Posts |
The complete lack of participation on this one tells me that someone could have a one-of-a-kind trick here. Hmmm?
|
Ron Reid Inner circle Phoenix, Arizona 2732 Posts |
Yes, and that person is probably Jim Steinmeyer. It's on my list of rainy day projects.
Ron |
profrt New user 5 Posts |
I have the original. Anyone interested? Pix on request. I got it from Joe Long. Here is his description:
One of a kind - belonged to Steinmeyer. An amazing and unique piece of apparatus created by one of magic's greatest minds. Sorry Jay Sankey fans, I'm speaking of Jim Steinmeyer. One UF Grant effect that always intrigued me was his Sacred Altar Lights, a sort of "pepper's ghost" table top illusion which used lighted candles. This is Jim's brilliant adaptation using colored light bulbs inside a small handheld cabinet. It's a multiphase routine in which a single red bulb affects two white bulbs. During the effect, the red bulb lights as white - the white bulbs light as red - and so on. All of this happens while the cabinet is freely displayed and the glass doors opened allowing a clean look through. It's baffling to watch. One of the strongest points in the routine is when the red bulb turns white. The performer opens the back door and only white light emanates from the cabinet! The same when the bulbs turn red - as only red light is emitted from the cabinet. This fools magicians. The killer ending happens when the performer removes one of the bulbs and smashes it. He replaces the broken bulb back into the cabinet. When the switch is thrown, the broken bulb instantly and visibly restores - shining brightly as before! A startling climax. And please note: you don't need to actually break any bulbs. You could simply vanish the bulb and it will reappear in the cabinet. It's a brilliantly designed illusion. If you love clever optical effects, you'll love this. I showed it recently to my friend Bill Schmeelk, who had also witnessed an early private performance years ago by Jim for himself and Mike Caveney. Now seeing the prop up close, Bill was amazed by how empty the cabinet looked during the various phases of the routine. The cabinet was built for Jim Steinmeyer by Craig Dickens. The craftsmanship is perfect as expected. Solidly constructed, beautifully finished/trimmed. There is a "gaff" that's hidden in plain sight - and a buzzer sound that is activated automatically when the lights are turned on during the routine. The size is app. 16" x 13" x 13". Craig has confirmed that this is the only Strange Power he's ever made. It belonged to Jim Steinmeyer and later illusionist Rick Wilcox. A chance to perform a very clever Steinmeyer illusion that not many have ever seen. Excellent condition, with copy of the original routine. Also includes a custom made carrying case to protect the prop during transport. UPDATE - I've been told it would cost close to $5,000.00 to have one built today. |
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Boxes, tubes & bags » » Strange Power - Anyone own it? (0 Likes) |
[ Top of Page ] |
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2024 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.02 seconds requiring 5 database queries. |
The views and comments expressed on The Magic Café are not necessarily those of The Magic Café, Steve Brooks, or Steve Brooks Magic. > Privacy Statement < |