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Curt from Canada New user Canada eh! 77 Posts |
Hey guys... I just have a few questions about Die Boxes
1. Are there different kinds of boxes, if so what are the differnt effects and what is the best ( unless its mosly personal preference ) 2. I am Considering this Die Box (http://www.themagiccompany.com/cat_main.html )is it good? |
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Lester Regular user Scotland. U.K 193 Posts |
Hi Canteego,
First of all, a warm welcome to the Café! Like yourself, I was somewhat in a dilemma as to which Die Box I should plump for! Some years ago, I purchased a Die Box here in the U.K, which was rather shoddy to put it mildly. Having paid £5O.OO for it at that time, I think it lasted about a week before one of the doors parted company from the main framework! So you can imagine that when I decided, quite recently, to invest in another Die Box, I spent a considerable amount of time researching the possibilities. Basically, as you said in your post, it comes down to personal preference as to whether you favour the style favoured in the States, namely two doors at the front and two on top or the European model, that is to say, two doors at the front and two at the back. At the end of the day, I guess, they all produce exactly the same end result! After much investigation on the Net and reading the various posts here in the Café regarding the different boxes available, I decided upon the European Die Box supplied by http://www.wonderwarehouse.com. Having bought one a few months ago, I cannot speak too highly of it, not only in appearance but also in quality of workmanship. Why not it check it out! Oh, and by the way, it offers excellent value for money. If you want a general potted guide to the Die Box check out a DVD entitled "The Venerable Die Box", which will give you an overview of styles and manufacturers etc. Hope this helps. Good luck with your Die Box. |
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geemack Loyal user Greg McNeil Peoria,Illinois 296 Posts |
Quote:
On 2007-01-29 19:45, canteego wrote... Yes, it is as good as, or better than, any Die Box you'll find anywhere. If you have any questions about it, just email Michael. Greg |
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Michael Baker Eternal Order Near a river in the Midwest 11172 Posts |
Hi Canteego!
Let me also welcome you to the Café. You might imagine my surprise when I opened up a new thread on Die Boxes to find that picture staring me in the face. That particular Die Box is sitting on the shelf not more than 3 feet from me. I built it, and it's on my website! So... what questions can I answer for you? That particular box is a Plain Jane standard type Die Box. It has the built-in sliding weight for the sound of the die supposedly sliding from one end to the other. It has 4 doors, 2 on top, 2 in front. It does not have the double door feature (being able to apparently show the die in the box, when in fact, it is not. This is capable of performing the basic routine, without the additional bells and whistles that can complicate a routine if you are not careful. There are some with double door features, color-changing die features, dies that turn into rabbits and a few other later variations. The standard box such as this is a good one to start with, as it will allow you to develop a routine that showcases your ability to perform. That is sometimes overlooked by performers who try to use too much gadgetry as a crutch. While I thank you for considering mine, I understand that the choice is yours. The advice that Lester gave is good. I have not seen that particular Die Box, but it looks nice, and the European style is certainly a good one. There are several boxes on the market that do exactly the same as mine... some cost more, some cost less. It is unlikely that the doors are going to fall off mine, unless you abuse your props. I'm sure you don't or would not have been making a careful decision. I think there may be a few folks here that can vouch for the quality of my products, though. If they don't find this thread, I'll send a few your way. I will also say that if the doors do come off, I'll fix them for you. Sometimes things happen! ~michael
~michael baker
The Magic Company |
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Curt from Canada New user Canada eh! 77 Posts |
Thanks guys for the responses and yes Michael I am really considering yours as my purchase. I should be getting back to you with in the next few days or so. If I don't please don't take any offence because I think your wands and craftmanship is great.
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Michael Baker Eternal Order Near a river in the Midwest 11172 Posts |
You are more than welcome to make any decision you wish, and I would not take any offense!
~michael
~michael baker
The Magic Company |
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makeupguy Inner circle 1411 Posts |
Don't buy anthying yet.. I'm in the process of having a die box made to market that will make any die box out there obsolete!
It's going to be beautiufully made, in brass and teak. With teh finest craftmanship and materials. The story supplied with it will make the whole thing make more sense than any die box around. It's not going to be cheap, but like my Dancing Canes, will be the best available on the market bar none!! They should be ready for the summer.. if all goes well. The craftsman ship on the teak boxes and the hammer brass dies will be beyond anythign the magic market has seen in some time! They'll be expensive.. but so worth it! |
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RiserMagic Veteran user 361 Posts |
Canteego;
To see a variety of die box styles made over the years, go to: http://www.jamesriser.com/DieBox/Collection.html Enjoy. Jim |
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GeorgeG Special user Thousand Oaks, CA 977 Posts |
I have never been quite the fan of the die boxes, but I do own two and I keep them because they are special and beautiful. First one is the "new", possibly very limited, version of the Milson-Worth Deluxe Oriental Die Box pictured on Jim's site. The second is a special Owen model made of Vermillion(Padauk) with the 100th Anniversary logo etched on the back of the cabinet...also limited to perhaps around a dozen as I was told at Owen when I visited them to get the box.
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okito25 Regular user Victoria BC Canada 145 Posts |
James what an awsome collection, very beautiful boxes indeed
and George .. that . the Milson-Worth Deluxe Oriental Die Box is Stunning ... I have a very good one . been with me for years un known who built it .. or from where it came I picked it up at a magic swap and shop about 30 years ago ..and it is still in fanastic shape ( I paid 15 dollars for it ) ... I have recently opted to purchase a Mel Babcock Built Box ,But will not part with my orginal Just becuase of all the memories and depending On the venue , the colors works well , It is true canteego .. when you go do Not go .. cheappy |
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HarbinJr. Elite user I only have 450 Posts |
I should get my die box on that list as well lol!!! It took nine years to get mine built and theres no s***l for it! The actual die is in my little pic off to the side and its nine inches cubed.
Robert |
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RiserMagic Veteran user 361 Posts |
Canteego;
Since you are looking for a good die box which will last over time, perhaps we should get in to some construction considerations. I have never been a fan of the mini piano hinges for smaller apparatus that I make due to the way they need to be fastened to the wood. Most die box makers have the wood grain running the wrong direction for the piano hinges. If the tiny screws have to go into end grain, they will eventually fail - and it may not take too long. They look good at first; but will not last. If you are going to get a box with the piano hinges, make certain it is constructed like the Owen box George has shown above. The Owen builders have wisely screwed in to the much stronger side grain of the delicate doors. Their boxes are well thought out, designed, and made. I still prefer to use modified decorative traditional type of hinges on the boxes I make - similar to the hinges used by Michael on his die box shown at the top of this thread. At this time, I am not maing any die boxes; but have made a number of them in the past and have really looked into their construction. Another consideration is how the maker decided to attach the body of the box to the base. I prefer to use tenon type of construction for durability. Some makers screw into the box body from underneath (good unless going in to end grain). Avoid a box where the maker merely glued the box to the base without something besides the glue holding the box together. This will fail as soon as there are humidity changes. On better boxes the corners will not be butt joints or plain miters. As you can see, there are considerations besides the appearance of a die box worth considering. Jim |
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Curt from Canada New user Canada eh! 77 Posts |
Just to let you guys know I have decided to go with Michael Bakers Die Box and am very excited to be the owner of this very nice quality prop! Thanks to everybody who helped me make my decision and posted in my topic. And jim you make a very good point. but as this is my first die box I would am happy to purchase such a nice peice and am looking forward to routining it and putting it into my show.
Thanks again for all the help you guys have givin me. Curt |
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TheAmbitiousCard Eternal Order Northern California 13425 Posts |
Hey Micheal, Your die box looks great. I've had my eye on it as well.
Cheers, Frank
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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Michael Baker Eternal Order Near a river in the Midwest 11172 Posts |
Working on an oriental box for someone right now. I will post photos when I get it finished. I have some ideas for other boxes, too, including a variation of a Twin-Di Box that I think should be pretty cool.
~michael
~michael baker
The Magic Company |
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TheAmbitiousCard Eternal Order Northern California 13425 Posts |
I like your site, btw. You're got some very creative items there.
Good going! Frank
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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Lester Regular user Scotland. U.K 193 Posts |
Hi Curt,
Congratulations! An excellent choice if I may say. Looking at Michael's Die Box, I guess that there is little, if anything, that can surpass it. It has an obvious quality of workmanship and attention to detail that will give both you, and your audiences, immeasurable pleasure and service for many years to come. Best wishes, Lester |
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royaltmagic New user Kintuckee 61 Posts |
So Michael...when are you going to make a nice die box like that for my die box collection?...seriously...
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Julie Inner circle 3936 Posts |
Michael--did you ever figure out the minor(?) modification to Abbott's Die Box that Gene Anderson uses in the Die Box DVD/VHS from Joe Stevens?
Julie |
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Michael Baker Eternal Order Near a river in the Midwest 11172 Posts |
Hi Travis,
I put out a few Die Boxes every so often, so just keep looking! Julie, I am unclear how this is a modification to an Abbott's Die Box. Karrell Fox uses an Abbott's Die Box in his performance (no center wall and no internal sound mechanism). he also has the additions to produce several dice from the hat. Gene Anderson's Die Box was repainted to go along with his Old Mother Hubbard patter, but I see no other comparisons uniquely to an Abbott Die Box. I do, however see the Die Box he uses as being virtually identical to a Mak Die Box that I have here. It is given credit by Mak Magic as "Jack Leick’s ingenious variation". I can only assume that variation allows for the placement of the s_ _ _ _ while the box is facing front to the audience. I never got instructions with the box I have. If I am missing something, please tell me. ~michael
~michael baker
The Magic Company |
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