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Gill Rogers New user Little Rock, AR, USA 61 Posts |
I have received about $75.00 for Christmas, and was wondering what I should purchase next. I have enough books to keep me busy until I die, and if I learn everything in them I will be the greatest magician on the planet ever (meaning, I could never learn everything in all my books).
So, assuming I have the books you would recommend, what should I think about spending my money on? I'm up for anything from one really good single effect to a compilation dvd with multiple effects. Just for your information, I am currently focusing on card, coin, and rope magic, but am willing to move into any new area. On my current list is Sankey's in a flash, the Extractor (which is more than I have, but with the magic club discount I may be able to swing it), TNR by Mathieu Bich, Extreme Burn, Bionic Coin, Packet Killer, etc..., but I'm open to ANYTHING. Your input is greatly appreciated.
The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it.--Albert Einstein
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Jimeh Inner circle Ottawa, Ontario 1399 Posts |
I hope you have the cut-and-paste function down because you're about to get
10-15 pages worth of recommendations! LOL If you have that many books why not just stock up on supplies and get started with what you have? You want new toys don't ya? I can relate. I don't know if you checked out Sankey's 'Holy Moley' but that's a pretty neat effect. |
Cardician99 Regular user Maryland 158 Posts |
I know EXTRACTOR workings, but do not actually have it. EXCELLENT item, but I think you should concentrate your money elsewhere...spread it out a little.
(Please everyone, understand that I am NOT posting this to promote something I am selling on Ebay. Rather, to help out Gill.) Get "Hopping Half" by Johnson. I have it currently on Ebay at $37.50. New costs $65.00. It is a GREAT coin effect in itself, and has many other uses besides. Better yet, if you have enough books to keep you active for a lifetime, study them by all means. Treat your friends to a great time at the movies!! |
Vick Inner circle It's taken me 10+ years to make 1120 Posts |
Use the money to buy time to read the books ;-)
pay yourself to take a day or half a day off to devote yourself to reading Seriously, if you read the books you will get the ideas for what direction you'd like to take performing.
Unique, Thought Provoking & Amazing Magical Entertainment Experiences
Illusions By Vick Blog of a real world working magician Magic would be great, if not for magicians |
Billgussen Elite user Central Japan 497 Posts |
You will want to get some gaffs and gimmicks. As much as I respect the books-only people, nearly all professionals I have ever had the opportunity to meet has had at least a few gaffs, gimmicks, utility devices, etc. that they use in their acts.
Think of things like a TT, a servante of some sort, items for stealing loads, ITR or IET and the like. Other things you might want to think of are classics of magic such as a semi-nice set of the Cups and Balls (actual nice sets will cost you more than you $75), Linking Rings, Egg Bag, Zombie effect, or other classics that have many different kinds of routines based around them, but take some skill and practice. I love books and have many, but you have already ruled them out, so utility devices and the classics will help you study, learn, and perform. Bill |
mmreed Inner circle Harrisburg, PA 1432 Posts |
Why spend the money on magic if you have a room full of unread books?
If you do not have the fundamental props and gimmicks, then get those.. silks, thumbtip, a set of cups and balls, a chop cup, maybe some coin gaffs... if it were me, Id buy a nice set of cups and balls... and read my books...
Mark Reed
Wedding and Event Entertainment |
pradell Special user Alaska 560 Posts |
(Sung to the tune of the 12 days of Xmas)
12 decks of cards ($13 at Costco) 11 hours of practice (Free) 10 half dollars (free, still have the money) 9 hours of practice 8 silver dollars (free, see above) 7 hours of practice 6 sponge balls ($5) 5 linking rings ($10) 4 hours of practice 3 cups and balls ($15) 2 coin shells ($25) And a monte with a pair of threes ($7) Cost: $75 Enjoyment value: Priceless :magicrabbit: |
Vick Inner circle It's taken me 10+ years to make 1120 Posts |
Bravo pradell!!!
Gill Rogers, Sounds like you may be looking for that next effect that will make you a great magician (or you have the itch to spend) There is no next great effect. If you must spend the money ........ A cheap set of cups for cups and balls. Then learn the routine from one of the books you have. If you don't already do cups and balls many of the sleights you learn there are applicable in other places. Plus you will have to create a good presenation and there are many resources to learn from. If you do C & B then a cheap set of linking rings and "Symphony of the Rings" from Dia Vernon A good linking rings routine will always get pops (applause and gasps) from your audinece Be prepared to spend months learning either of these. What they add to your ability is priceless
Unique, Thought Provoking & Amazing Magical Entertainment Experiences
Illusions By Vick Blog of a real world working magician Magic would be great, if not for magicians |
Hearttau Elite user New Jersey: Exit 15 E 423 Posts |
Gill,
Save it for something you might need later. Do you have a nice table and close-up pad? Maybe you'll want to have topits added to a favorite jacket at some point. Is there a bunny rabbit in your future for children's parties? Putting some "magic money" away for later needs is never a bad idea. Now if only I could follow my own advice! Dave
Lentidigitator: “A magic artist who performs slow motion magic”... Rene Lavand
"Peace and all good"... St. Francis "Hold on to your joy!"... Me http://mysite.verizon.net/hearttau/ |
profgizmo New user Florida 54 Posts |
Look into L&L's worlds greatest magic dvds. Pick the topics you are most interested in, and you will be able to watch the top professionals do their versions. And the prices are right, sign up for their email list as they often offer them at special discounts.
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Gill Rogers New user Little Rock, AR, USA 61 Posts |
First, thanks for all of your suggestions. I am a hobbyist magician, and find the variety of responses to a question like this both helpful and interesting. Please understand, I am not looking for the "next great thing" or that effect that will put my act over the top, as I only do magic for family, friends, and the members of my IBM ring. I should have explained more when asking the question that I am looking for something worthwhile, interesting, fun, and useful in general. So, with that in mind...
Okay, I broke down and bought stuff. I am finding that as I want to learn new things I am motivated to learn the skills necessary to perform the effect. Kind of a backwards way in to it but it seems to be working for me. Anyway, here is what I got (and spent more than the $75.00 allotted): 1. In a Flash, Jay Sankey (love it) 2. Sankeytized volume 2 (good stuff here, too, and having to learn a number of things in order to perform the effects) 3. Royal Scam by John Bannon (incredible routine, and has taught me the Elmsley Count, Takagi Count, and Hamman Count. While I've got the sleights, I'm still working on getting the routine down) 4. Vanishing Nickel by John Cornelius (just good plain fun, and my first IT effect) 5. Fiber Optics Extended by Richard Sanders (with all the others, haven't had a chance to look at it yet, but I am excited as I find rope work fascinating). Just wanted to let you know where my inquiry took me. Hope all of you have a Happy New Year! Gill
The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it.--Albert Einstein
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Mr. Mystoffelees Inner circle I haven't changed anyone's opinion in 3623 Posts |
Sounds like you made some very good choices- enjoy! Jim
Also known, when doing rope magic, as "Cordini"
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abc Inner circle South African in Taiwan 1081 Posts |
This thread has bought back some good memories maybe because it is new year and I am very pensive.
I remember my first cup and balls. Three paper party cups with animals on them and tissue balls (roll two or three tissue or napkins in a ball and wet them. Wait one day and you have a "ball") |
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