I am looking for an old Mak Magic illusion called Belly Buster, where a large block drops down through a girl in an upright cabinet. If anyone knows where to find one, I would appreciate the information.

Wow... I remember that one in the catalog .. I never saw one ... I collect Grant/Mak stuff and would love to see one ....

I've never heard of it but it sounds rather interesting. I'd love to see it.

That is too funny .. I remember seeing that in the Mak Magic Catalog back in the day. In all my year in magic, I've never seen that in person, never even heard of anyone owning one.

I believe you would have better luck finding Noah's Ark ...

Steve

I actually did own one just a few years ago. I bought it used, decided I probably would not use it in the show, and sold it. Now, simply for "nostalgic" reasons, I would really like to have one again. I grew up staring at the picture of it in the old Mak catalogs. I don't know how to contact the magician I sold it to, (I think he was in New York), and have never talked to anyone else who has ever seen one in person. It seems that everyone, however, saw it in the Mak catalog!

Again, what does it look like and what is the basic effect?

It is an upright cabinet about two feet square and five and half feet tall with open front and back. There is a large square block that can be raised and lowered in the cabinet to break balloons, etc. A girl lies on a board across the center of the cabinet and the block is lowered through her body and breaks a balloon beneath the board. It is basically a large version of the parlour size block through metal, wooden, plastic, etc. blade cabinet. It was painted in true Mak scheme with bright green sides, bright yellow front and back, bright orange trim, and lots of gold fringe. If they had just put some stenciled dragons on it, it would have been the perfect prop! It really isn't that deceptive in my opinion, I just think it would be nice to have again since I spent so many hours looking at it in the old Mak catalogs of my childhood. I never should have sold the one I had! Any input on finding one would be appreciated.

I have one that I got in a trade a few years back. Don't know if it is a Mak or not as it was repainted. I got it to use as a template in case I had to build one. Sitting in storage right now, just haven't had time to build a new one.
Ray

It was an enlarged version of their Brock's Block. In my opinion, it was a terrible effect.

I only saw one guy do at the MagiFest. Some of us had joked what lousy trick it was and someone would probably want it made in a stage size. Low and behold, the next year it was done by Hermann Carr.

Richard

Now that really hurts...I also own a Brock's Block. And a Mak Visible Vampire. I actually agree that it is a lousy trick, I mentioned previously that it isn't too deceptive. I am primarily interested in it for sentimental reasons. The same reason, actually, that I have a Brock's Block. There was a Brock's Block on the top shelf of the Fun Shop in Memphis when I was only old enough to afford plastic Adams tricks in the glass counter.

Rocky,
I am sorry. Didn't mean to hurt your feelings. We all have sentimental things that were lousy magic.

Richard

It's a myth .. the prop does not exist!

I'll need some sort of physical evidence. How about some photos, maybe a chip of paint or a sample of the fine masonite used in the construction of Mak Magic props.

I will not rest until this mystery is solved ...

Steve

You and Scooby Do...

How about a picture of the" Devils Bride" !!! I think a few of these are myths ....

Nope, I have seen the Devil's Bride, and I believe there were even workshop plans for it. I seem to think I have them somewhere!! LOL

B

I have the Devil's Bride Plans. It seems like a worakable outdoor nighttime illusion.

Chezaday, as to your request for a photo or other evidence of the belly buster; I have one, but it was taken from a distance and is very grainy. Most who have seen it say it is the shape of a horse's head, and the experts say it is a manufactured hoax. But I know... the truth is out there. And I realize that I am now stretching the limits of believability, but I am currently sitting within five feet of an original Mak Devil's Bride plan booklet, and have the remnants of the actual prop down in the shop. And just so I can beat Richard to it, yes, it is as lousy a trick as the Belly Buster, although the drawing in the catalog looked great. A Brock's Block, a Belly Buster, AND a Devil's Bride. Just call me mister "Mak King". Wait... I think that name is already taken.

I still don't believe you ..

Steve

I have seen and yes, even touched it before!

Oh ye of little faith! http://www.flickr.com/photos/21063809@N05/3776799752/