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Griff Loyal user Florida 285 Posts |
Hey all. I am just wondering why if you use your own coins (halves or dollars) and you do an effect with them, you wouldn't take advantage of a gaff. I mean if I am going to do a coins across with my own coins, why not use a shell, flipper or extra coin to make the effect that much more visual and magical for the specs. I see people here that do routines with "only 3 coins" (which are usually silver Walkers or Morgans) do effects that would be so much better to the laymen if they used a simple gaff. If the effect is done with borrowed coins (quarters or other), I understand the purist approach.
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Sword of the Soldier Elite user 437 Posts |
I see what you are saying. I think it is a matter of preference. I use gaffs on occasion for things I can go with plain sleight of hand, and visa versa.
There's something nice and safe about using legit coins, that can be handed out, seen up close, and heard without any risk. At the same time a Roth Coins Across with a shell is a gorgeous thing. It depends on the Magi. Sometimes it also depends on what kind of effect do you want the specs to get. Do you want them to see a miracle? Do you want them to see a miracle with skillful Sleight of Hand? Do you want them to see pure skill? I think spectators know when a Coin man is doing things by sheer technical ability and when they are not (regardless of if they know or don't know what other means the magi is using). These are just my thoughts Keep your wand up! Josh |
Joshua Barrett Inner circle Cincinnati, Ohio 3631 Posts |
Well there are many reasons really. sometimes it has to do with logistics. do you want to modify your entire set to work a gaff in or out? that's just a vague example. sometimes a gaff can create more problems then it solves. and that is the fundimental point of a gaff I feel, is to solve a problem.
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gaddy Inner circle Agent of Chaos 3526 Posts |
I'm at the point where I don't even consider a shell a gaff...
*due to the editorial policies here, words on this site attributed to me cannot necessarily be held to be my own.*
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Mb217 Inner circle 9520 Posts |
Use what works for you, gaffs or not. I personally have learned a lot by not using gaffs and certainly think you should learn how to make things happen with regular coins. But gaffs are nice, some of them absolutely miraculous. I like using the sleights as when you develop with them, so does your better understanding of misdirection, etc. Gaff coins sorta allow you the easy way out of things, but that's Ok sometimes. As much as I attempt to utilize gaffs, I always get back to the coins being regular ones and doing my thing with those. It has certainly made me a better manipulator and presenter of magic. -Mb
*Check out my latest: Gifts From The Old Country: A Mini-Magic Book, MBs Mini-Lecture on Coin Magic, The MB Tanspo PLUS, MB's Morgan, Copper Silver INC, Double Trouble, FlySki, Crimp Change - REDUX!, and other fine magic at gumroad.com/mb217magic
"Believe in YOU, and you will see the greatest magic that ever was." -Mb |
jake.o Regular user 111 Posts |
I prefere to hand the coins out directly after the effect to make the magic seem fairer.
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feher Inner circle Michigan 1421 Posts |
Use what works for you...pretty much hits the nail on the head.
I would never try to tell someone that gaffs are better or vice versa. I for one don't care for gaffs that much because that means I have to know exactly where they are on me move coins around....ect Take coins out of a holder because I need this set to do this or that. I like to just go into my pockets take out some coins and go. With gaffs I can't do that. But that's me. If you like them then use them. I don't think gaffs make a routine better in the spectators eyes ether you have entertained them or you didn't. Doesn't matter what you used. I hope that made sense The Captain
Mean people SUCK!!!!!!!
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coinguy Regular user 104 Posts |
I never do effects when the shell acts as a coin on its own, but I do use shell in a 4 coins across when there are 4 coins and a shell. I like to be able to hand out the same amount of coins that are shown in the routine. Also, I believe that a combination of sleight of hand and gaffs are the way to go. Never use gaffs just to make the routine easy, but use them to create effects that could not be accomplished as cleanly or at all without the gaff.
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mwmagic Loyal user 262 Posts |
No one answer, it depends on the working environment and the audience.
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MarkTirone Inner circle palming not 1 coin, but 1139 Posts |
I havn't used a gaff in months. I'm getting a shell soon so maybe I will change my mind.
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Platt Inner circle New York 2012 Posts |
Watch David Roth's two pet coins across effects. One uses a shell. The other, Winged Silver, doesn't. I'd argue Winged Silver looks purer. I asked David in person which he thinks is more deceptive. He said hands down, Winged Silver.
Sugar Rush is here! Freakishly visual magic. http://www.plattmagic.com
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Jonathan Townsend Eternal Order Ossining, NY 27297 Posts |
Quote:
On 2008-11-21 23:30, Griff wrote: Here's the way I think about the matter: If there is something a gaff would permit (even if just reliability) which some well structured routining and sleights would not - then it's a balance against practical considerations of carrying the gaff around and logistics of making sure the performing circumstances keep the gaff out of other folks grabby hands. That said, I assure you there's no purile or purient thinking behind my decisions and for that matter no purist issues either.
...to all the coins I've dropped here
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MarkTirone Inner circle palming not 1 coin, but 1139 Posts |
Quote: Isn't that strange? I do too
On 2008-11-22 20:42, Platt wrote: |
Griff Loyal user Florida 285 Posts |
Great points all. For a long time I never used any gaffs or extra coins. I prided myself on my "chops". Now that I am a little older and the "chops" aren't as good, I am using a shell quite a bit. I have discovered the magic of gaffs... Now my routines are a little easier technically, more visual for the spectators and I can really focus on my presentation. Wish I had realized this years ago Anyhow, I don't use anything but a shell and an extra coin now, but I think my routines are better than ever. Maybe getting older is not such a bad thing
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manreb Special user 666 Posts |
There are certain effects that work well and were a gaff makes sense. I find that switching in the gaff at the beginning of the routine as opposed to handing them out at the end gives the audience the same impression.
Joe |
Wayne Kawamoto Regular user 164 Posts |
I too like the idea of being a purist and relying on sleight of hand and no gimmicks. However, and it took me a long time to get here, I now feel that it's best to use the strongest method for the effect.
To me, it doesn't matter if something is easy or hard, requires intense sleight of hand or relies on a gimmick that does all of the work. Whatever method makes the biggest impact on spectators is the way to go. That said, I think all magicians should study sleight of hand and moves to provide a foundation and then sort out the best methods for them. -Wayne
www.Magic.About.com - Magic News and Reviews
Author: "Picture Yourself As a Magician" |
manreb Special user 666 Posts |
For those of you are totally adverse to the use of gaffs and gimmicks, watch "The Doctor Is In!" Dr Sawa's material is not only creative but also absolutely magical. A large number use gaffs,the use is highly creative, used is some very creative and unsual way.
View the DVD's it will change your oppinion on how to use your gaffs. |
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