So, I recently purchased a used copy of Gregory Wilson's Ring Leader, but it did not come with the velvet cord.

Greg mentions that replacements can be purchased at http://www.magicsmith.com
but their price is a little outrageous with shipping.

I was told that fabric stores should carry them, but so far no luck.

Can anyone suggest a good online resource for picking up quality cord/rope for a ring and string routine? It doesn't even have to be velvet. I am new to this type of magic, and I am looking to use a classy-looking rope but don't want to get charged an arm and a leg...

Thanks.

I would email them. You should have gotten a cord and a practice ring but I am also looking for another type of cord.

Good Luck.

The person who sold me the used video let me know up front that it was not coming with a cord. That is why I am looking for one.

At Hancock Fabrics, I picked up some cord, but it looks and acts more like a shoelace than I would like. Before that, I was using one of my honor cords from my high school graduation eight years ago which was sitting in a box on the shelf in my closet. It acts too much like a rope, though. If I could find a velvet cord, I'd be in hog heaven.

I found some cord very similar to the cord that is supplied with the video from "The Rag Shop" an Art/Crafts/Fabric store. I don't know if they are nationwide - worth a look.

-Frank

I've just placed my order for the video. I thought that you could use any string or even a shoelace. I think that the idea of even borrowing a string makes the effect stronger. Does is really matter what it is made of?

The reason the cord exists, according to Gregory Wilson, is that "they are using them in all the Beverly Hills jewelry shops so that you can't steal the rings, or switch them out". I just love this premise, and I am very enthusiastic about it. Apparently, most of the spectators introduced with this concept don't question it, and some even say, "Yeah, I've seen those before..."

Therefore, I would like to use a velvet cord, because it looks so much classier than any old string/cord/rope, and much more likely to be used in a jewelry store.

In any case, I looked in the phone book, and I found a number of fabric stores in Austin. I'll give them a call tomorrow, and, if I find what I am looking for, I'll post the product name and product number here.

Just a hunch, but I would think that a drapery supply company or maybe a restaurant supply company would have a good source of velvet cord.

Turk

BTW, Would someone please describe this effect. Many years ago, I purchased a velvet cord with a gaffed "Chinese Coin" consisting of a sh**l and a "similar" item that went inside. The similar item was only approx 330 degrees of a full one (if you understand my meaning). Is this the effect you guys are describing?

Dulcimer, when you go to a fabric supply, go to the upholstering and trim section, they have a velvet cord that is little thicker than 1/4 inch. it comes in black, red, purple. Not always available in all three colors though. Buy about a yard or as I prefer 46". You want to pull the core center out of it much as you would pull the core out of a piece of magicians rope. Then use a piece of matching color thread and tie off the ends. This makes a very soft, suptle velvet cord that literally floats in the hands and through the ring. If you have no luck, I can pick up a piece for you at our local Fabric City. It runs $3.00 a yd. there.
So with tax and postage it might run you $4.00 I get down there about once a week, so I can always drop in and pick some up for you if you want.
All the Best
Marty

DH,

Thanks to "Payne", check out:

http://www.trimandtassels.safeshopper.com/36/76.htm?391

(It's a slow loader!)

3/16 to 1/2 inch diameters.

Cheers!

Virtually any good fabric store will have velvet cord (piping) in a variety of colors. Magicians are usually partial to black, but a rich maroon or deep blue also look very nice. You normally buy this by the yard. It has a core, which may be stripped out (like coring rope) and the ends can be tucked inside the cord (for neat ends) if you don't sew. This stuff is relatively inexpensive, and you should replace it before it starts looking "ratty."

0pus