Yes I think my mask is more or less a decade old, and I have repainted it twice--just to match the skin tone I wanted. It's still in great condition, considering that when I got it--since I was one of the first who used the mask in our country--I was using it in ALL my shows for many, many years.

Yup I guess a longer string can improve the action, though I'm actually not concerned if it's obvious that I'm the one controlling the mouth.

Now that sooo many local magicians use the vent mask in my area I rarely use the mask these days. I just do my version of the human dummies without mask.

Oh sure, Lou, you may include this video in your site.

Thanks!

Great video Ony! Solid laughs! You hit it on the head about volunteers. Having the right one(s) during your act can make or break a routine.

I also got one of Lou's string operated masks years ago... and because of that mask, I got a lot of gigs... thanks Lou

http://www.wanlu.net/TalkMask.jpg

Of course now, I use the masks I sell

http://www.wanlu.net/IMG_6339.JPG

Thanks a lot for your input guys. Its much appreciated.

I have a Wanlu mask on the way.
Woo Hoo

Billy

I just got one of Wanlu's masks a couple of weeks ago, and have used it in four shows so far. It's been going great doing a Sonny and Cher duet!

Here's a clip from a show I did two days ago:
http://video.google.ca/videoplay?docid=-......hl=en-CA

Now I just need to learn some vent to have even more fun with it.

Brian

One additional input... To help get the maximum impact I think that it's important that the mask we use more or less MATCHES the volunteer's skin tone/color. So we need to pick volunteers who fit our mask's color.

That's why I repainted mine.

Here's a clip from a show I did two days ago:
http://video.google.ca/videoplay?docid=-......hl=en-CA >>>>>>>>>

Hi Brian,

Nice bit, but where's Chastity? ; )

Is that a "magicbackdrops.com" backdrop? How do you like it?

AC

I guess the illusion would be nicer if the masks would match the skin tone of the helper but I use the same colored masks and it does not match the skin tone of my volunteers at all and they work real well

Wanlu

Very good work Brian...

and when you learn some basic ventriloquism...the mask will serve you more.

I actually had Lou's mask years before I got into ventriloquism...I made it a big part of my magic show then.

Thanks

Thanks Billy...

Sir, there is no chastity in my shows!

And yes, it is a magicbackdrops.com backdrop. I got it last summer, and use it in all of my shows. I love it!

Brian

OFF TOPIC: Just want to share this video of a natve dance from the Philippines called Tinikling.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTOLBBwgEuc

Wanlu, must be a cultural difference thing, but here in the US, I can think of some fairly funny stuff concerning Tinkling videos. ; )

AC

Ha ha ha Tinikling...not tinkling

Back to the topic:

I still think Lou's masks are the best.

I would love a cable mask to add to my comedy shows, but I don't do vent.... would they fit a childs head .

Yup...it will fit a kid's head because the velcro strap can be adjusted.

I've seen some entertertianers use the mask with a recorded song and it's still very funny

Videos:

Tom Crowl (USA)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsRj6jNtWmE

Dean Atkinson (AUSTRALIA)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RuSQxL982E

Kimmo (UNITED KINGDOM)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwyb_SWsq4A

Andrea Fratellini (ITALY)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2cidgN2g_c

Wanlu (PHILIPPINES)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIPYmLRB4IM

I ordered a mask through SCOTT WHEELIS. All I have to say is DON'T GO TO SCOTT WHEELIS!!!!!!!! I ordered a mask on July 6 with a 2-3 week delivery time frame. This is now the end of September and we have yet to see a mask, we have emailed and phoned to get an estimated time frame and he has said "I'm working on it" but he says that if we refer him he will give them "a great deal" like we would refer someone who takes your money and runs! He is unable to communicate and once he has your money he has no motivation to work!
I do not know what kind of work he does (hopefully someday we will see that) he could do great work but as far as running a business this guy is a joke. If you do order a mask or anything from him do it COD. Do not give him ANY MONEY up front. He needs to have some motivation to work.
Looks like it has been too long for us to get our money back through paypal and we will now have to go through our credit card

I personally handled the masks sold by SCOTT WHEELIS and I'd say the quality is so bad--very poor. They are too expensive for what you'll get!

I'd still recommend those sold by Lou Hilario and Wanlu--the best in the world! Not because they're both my friends here in the Philippines, but because I've used their masks in my shows and they're absolutely awesome.

The one I got from Lou is around 9 years old already but it still fuctions very well like a new one!