|
|
Go to page [Previous] 1~2~3~4 [Next] | ||||||||||
magicone Veteran user Doylestown, PA 351 Posts |
I just watched the video at Practical Magic and was excited to see it as I also own John's book and read about it.
Video here: http://www.practical-magic.com/index.php......temid=33 I was going to purchase it right away as I own an original (Supreme I believe) washing machine and it plays very well but this version loads from the front, is really deceptive and the children will certainly like its look with funny face. What is stopping me is the cost and the fact that the buzzer is really lack luster. For the money I would have expected it to be more of a push button to start and then it would make more funny noises along with the lights (along the line of a fluctuating type sound with a loud buzzer to alert the wash cycle was over) The buzzer just screams loudly until you shut it off. It does lend to one making the routine as long as one would like but I just expected more. With shipping to the USA right now it would be roughly $400.00 USD I see the potential but just can't justify throwing out my old washer for this one at this point in time. Props to the good people at Practical Magic for the wonderful children's props! |
|||||||||
Al Kazam the Magic Man Inner circle Living in Perth Western Australia 1042 Posts |
Everyone knows I'm a fan of John's. He's helped me tremendously over the years with different things. We've been friends for several years and email each other about various things. So far I haven't found a more experienced kids entertainer out there. He'll also send you some of the funnies emails out there on a regular basis if you get on his email list.
I'm quite shocked that Smartini jumped in so quickly to trash talk the prop, and tried to start a Wolf's magic V's others thread. Totally different in my opinion, and yes I own a wolf prop. I"ve been a bit surprised to see many of wolf stuff being sold off lately. To clarify I've made my own Wacky Washing Machine from the directions in John's great book which in my opinion is the best out there for kids entertainers. I'm definitely adding the washing machine to show, as I have only a few little things to do to get it show ready.
Magic guy in Perth Australia
|
|||||||||
JimbosMagic Inner circle 1334 Posts |
Well I have just been on Wolfs site to see if they had a sort of WWM, No they they don't, so I could'nt compare John's to Wolf's (SO THAT WAS A WASTE OF TIME)
I like the look of wolfs stuff, but John's Wacky Washing Machines is Bright, Colourful, Workable, and great fun. If it looks funny to kids, then it look funny to kids. They are not bothered if the lettering is red on yellow or it doest make some more stupid noises. I know John has performed this for many years and boy does he get great reactions from it. It's Ready, It's there to be used.
JIMMY CARLO. KIDabra International Family Entertainer of the Year 2009.
IBM Triple Award Winner. Uk Champion of Comedy Magic. Represented the UK in the United Slapstick Awards on German TV. European Children's Entertainer of the year 2007/8 |
|||||||||
The Great Smartini Inner circle 2280 Posts |
Apparently trash talk is when you think a routine has some potential but don't care for the colour/graphics of a prop. I'm glad that so many people like this and are going to buy it...I'm not because like British food it's boring, bland and not worth $400! Now that would be trash talk. Twenty minutes changing a couple of socks back and forth because the magic "...has gone wrong!" isn't very original or exciting. More like more low grade comedy that goes on way too long. Again this would be trash talk. I love this thread as people really seem to have great trouble following a thought to it's logical conclusion.
1. Jimbo goes to Wolfs looking for a Wacky Washing Machine doesn't find one and so the exercise was a waste of time. Check out the look, graphics and visuals of a Wolfs prop and you'll see a professional prop and not a kids toy. "If it looks funny to kids then looks funny to kids." (??) He then goes on to acknowledge the colours with the lettering being red/yellow but claims that this doesn't matter to kids nor does more "stupid noises"...isn't my point that John's lacks colour and isn't very interesting? Wouldn't the colour and other features improve the look/feel of the prop? 2. Not going to bother with the comments from John and his friends as they also seem unable to deal with point that the visuals on this prop look like something out of the 1970s and I don't mean this in a retro good way. Presumably the next line of argument that will follow will be how the prop doesn't matter that the routine/performer is what it's all about and on that I totally agree. My comment/critique is simply with the look of the prop which, to me, looks like a white box with a very lame clip art image attached. jeff |
|||||||||
keeblem Inner circle Essex, UK 1167 Posts |
Quote:
On 2010-02-04 14:32, The Great Smartini wrote: looks like a white box with a very lame clip art image attached. Jeff, of course you are entitled to your opinion but that comment is extremely unfair and quite rude when you consider the amount of work that John has put into this. I'm not sure why a "take a look at this new prop" thread has turned into a "Wolf versus the world" thread. Wolf's products are A1 - but that doesn't mean nothing else is worth a look. Mark |
|||||||||
JimbosMagic Inner circle 1334 Posts |
Jeff, Jeff.
You have just got that all wrong my friend. I went to wolf because I took it they had one and went to compare that to Johns. But didn't find one that's why I said it was a waste of time. If you read my bit again, I do say I like the look of wolfs stuff. Yes its great and I have purchased stuff made by wolf. What I am trying to say and may be I didn't make it clear is. A prop can look really flashy to us ( and I love flashy props) but to a child of 4 or 5 if you put a large box on top of your roll on table with a jam jar lid on the front and said that's my grandmas washing machine, the kids would believe you and that's what it is to them. A washing machine. The fun for all children (and kid show entertainers should all remember this) is not how flashy the prop is or what noises it makes, or what colours the wording is etc, but the journey you take the children on to get to the conclusion. So I am not saying Flashy props or wolf props are not good they are in facy they look great. But Johns prop also looks great. and in the UK I think most washing machines are white, so I presume that's why John went for white. Yes I agree wit you it could be made to look flashy and more wacky and more colourful, but why? to add another $100 dollars to the price, I don't think that's Johns intention. To me he has given the kids entertainers a very reasonable, decent looking prop, kids can relate to, with loads of business potential. There I hope that's cleared that up.
JIMMY CARLO. KIDabra International Family Entertainer of the Year 2009.
IBM Triple Award Winner. Uk Champion of Comedy Magic. Represented the UK in the United Slapstick Awards on German TV. European Children's Entertainer of the year 2007/8 |
|||||||||
Spellbinder Inner circle The Holy City of East Orange, NJ 6438 Posts |
Maybe this is not a good time to mention that Jim Gerrish's Happy Clappy Slappy Wizard Washer will once again be available on The Magic Nook in April of 2012. It was released in 2007 on a limited basis (one per magician per state or province) so the early-bird purchasers could have it exclusively for five years.
For the curious, here's what you can build yourself for under $100: BUT, you' have to wait until 2012... just before the world comes to an end.
Professor Spellbinder
Professor Emeritus at the Turkey Buzzard Academy of Magik, Witchcraft and Wizardry http://www.magicnook.com Publisher of The Wizards' Journals |
|||||||||
Mumblemore Inner circle 1429 Posts |
Whatver the Breeds vs. Wolf comparison (which need not be made, I agree with Mark), Breeds thinks through his routines extremely well (his book is excellent). And this washing machine looks much better than the other one - the Chinese Washing Machine or whatever else it's called. The size, front load, and funny picture give it a 21st Century look, I believe. It is expensive, but if I had the $400 laying around, it would be my next purchase as this is a "middle-of-the-show" feature effect with a sensible storyline, good gags, colorful props, and most importantly, lots of interaction with the kids. This has the makings of a great routine. I wish John Breeds and Practical Magic a lot of success as they roll it out at Blackpool.
|
|||||||||
Potty the Pirate Inner circle 4632 Posts |
It says it's a Limited Edition I think, so no doubt John will sell out of these. Of course the prop doesn't look like a Wolf prop - Jeff, I do think you're being unfair here. Sometimes kids really like a more "home-made" look. Just today one kid said: "Wow! That's really cool!" when I took out my FlagOMatic (a discontinued Barry Mitchell item made with plumbing parts). Admittedly they went nuts when they later saw Wolf's "Funhouse". Not that I'm suggesting that John's WWM looks home-made, but it does have that kind of appeal I believe.
For me, it's the washer that's the fun part, I find the comedy socks rather dull. But of course, what you have is effectively a multiple ch***e b*g, so you can quickly adapt the routine to wash a doll's dress, hanky, or something else. You could even do a League of Gentlemen inspired thing: wash your washing utensils. You could build a great routine with that, starting off by cleaning (say) your shoe, then you have to clean the brush. That done, the brush you cleaned the brush with needs cleaning, so you wipe it clean on your sock. Now the sock needs cleaning - and you go into the WWM routine. Potty |
|||||||||
John Breeds Veteran user England 336 Posts |
Thank you Mumblemore. As per usual with your posts, a well thought out, fair and accurate contribution. You are obviously made of the stuff from which true gentlemen are made.
I have no idea why Wolf Chance is being compared with me here. As far as I'm concerned he's brilliant at what he does, and I understand he’s a really nice guy. I say darn good luck to him in his market. There is simply no need to involve Wolf in any silly argument here. I am just a simpleton Brit, who acquired a hammer and nails, and couple of ideas. But much more, I am blessed with loads of true friends, from both sides of the Atlantic. That’s why I like to share ideas with those in our wonderful brotherhood; without spite or malice to each other. Also, I have no idea why some here think that I am selling the washing machine - I am not, Practical Magic, UK are. John |
|||||||||
The Great Smartini Inner circle 2280 Posts |
John,
It appears that you're definition of a gentleman is one who has no ability to take any criticism whatsoever and if one dares to do so they obviously are doing it with malice or spite. For the umpteenth time I will again say that I think the routine concept is interesting but the prop itself (IMHO) lacks visual appeal. Many people disagree with me and I'm totally fine with that. However, rather focus on this point alone you and others feel it necessary to stay on point and make references to my apparent lack of character. One might contend that this isn't very collegal either. No one is comparing you to Chance and to bring him or Axtell into the discussion is to miss the point. I would like to z see magic props look more modern looking. Jeff (I support a united and free Ireland) Jeff |
|||||||||
keeblem Inner circle Essex, UK 1167 Posts |
Quote:
On 2010-02-06 19:04, The Great Smartini wrote: Maybe I'm missing the point because it was YOU who brought him into the discussion. (FIRST reply to the thread) Quote:
On 2010-02-06 19:04, The Great Smartini wrote: What???! |
|||||||||
Mumblemore Inner circle 1429 Posts |
I think Jeff was being flip/funny in a few of his references, and we shouldn't all take all this too seriously. However, after a few digressions, I propose to shift this comparison to its natural counterpart: the Chinese Washing Machine (or whatever it should be called in politically correct company).
I would also argue, with several others, that we needn't compare John Breeds' items with those of Wolf or Axtell or anyone else. Practical Magic and John Breeds each have separate (and now united) histories of fantastic tricks. Practical Magic has great dog puppet routine, silver scepter, great painting trick, and on and on. And Breeds has very original tricks like the Ringing Bell (forgot formal title) and great innovations on the Washing Machine, rabbit appearance, Mental Epic, and many others for kids (his book really is excellent - even if he calls me a gentleman for praising it - now I'm double the gentleman in his eyes). They are inventive contributors to the magic world in their own right, and have both been around decades longer than Wolf or Axtell (guessing, but I know Chance's approximate age and Axtell looks youthful in his ads). I am sure Jeremy and John are youthful too. The point is they have been around long enough to have some of the best track records in the business (along with their newer colleagues, who also have some of my favorite effects, especially Wolf). Let's get back to the topic, which is the virtues of the Wacky Washing Machine (and by the way, no one has a patent on use of the word "Wacky," although I heard it was really a Max Maven term which was then ripped off by several other masked magicians in the 1970s and there's actually an obscure website tracing its derivation back to a traveling Romanian gypsy circus in the 17th century . . .). But, I digress (like so much of this thread . . .). Anyway, enough attempts at humor. I just got Soft Soap in hopes of using it as a finale for the Chinese Washing Machine, which I bought cheap while holding my nose. The load chamber is huge and obvious, with a lot of wasted space and poor design. The "symbols" on the side make no sense, as if the designer figured s/he had to do something to give it character, so s/he added these "hoopla" symbols to make it stand out in a negative way that screams out "I am gimmicked to the hilt." If we could get a US distributor to lower shipping costs for the John Breeds Wacky Washer, or one of these appears 20 percent off on Café, I'm all over it. It is leagues ahead of the other version - Mak or Ickle Pickle, or whatever it is ... The socks in the Breeds version are funny, and as Potty says, you get a four-load change bag with a smile, a great routine, buzzers and gizmos, and a reason for being. I'd still probably use my Soft Soap silks as well as a few socks, and try to "smuggle" the dirty silks out in the soap box for a finale. But that's a great routine just waiting for a magi. I'm jealous of whoever gets this. I'm going to have to sell my other washer to buy this and have now given my true opinion of the non-PC Chinese Washer, meaning that I'm going to have to heavily discount it to Café buyers if they know about John's version. John, don't tell anyone for a while. |
|||||||||
kimmo Inner circle Sheffield 1193 Posts |
I've just had the opportunity to play with the washing machine. They look fantastic and the mechanism is so perfect. Presuming Jeremy has any left after Blackpool, I will definitely have one! If only I could get John to make me one with a moving mouth so I can Do a vent act with it!
VISIT MY ONLINE STORE!: www.kimmomagicshop.com
NEW LECTURE NOTES - SHOW US YOUR TRIX NOW AVAILABLE AS AN INSTANT DIGITAL DOWNLOAD! Kimmo DVD available Now! Watch the promo here! Order your copy NOW! CLICK HERE! ENTERTAINER,MAGICIAN AND VENTRILOQUIST'S BLOG - DON'T READ THIS... |
|||||||||
The Great Smartini Inner circle 2280 Posts |
That would certainly make the routine more interesting.
|
|||||||||
JimbosMagic Inner circle 1334 Posts |
Didn't you get yours John.
I got mine with a moving mouth soap sudds from his nose, and sparks from the buttons.
JIMMY CARLO. KIDabra International Family Entertainer of the Year 2009.
IBM Triple Award Winner. Uk Champion of Comedy Magic. Represented the UK in the United Slapstick Awards on German TV. European Children's Entertainer of the year 2007/8 |
|||||||||
John Breeds Veteran user England 336 Posts |
Quote:
On 2010-02-10 21:30, The Great Smartini wrote: However, there is a risk that the gossacks would distim the doshes. John |
|||||||||
The Great Smartini Inner circle 2280 Posts |
Quote:
On 2010-02-11 14:11, John Breeds wrote: John, Meaningful and constructive feedback should always be appreciated particularly when originally given by Kimmo. jeff |
|||||||||
magicgeorge Inner circle Belfast 4299 Posts |
Umm, I think Kimmo might have been joking (about the vent thing).
You don't have to always take him seriously: Ha! I didn't think that would be so big. Brilliant. |
|||||||||
The Great Smartini Inner circle 2280 Posts |
Quote:
On 2010-02-13 10:23, magicgeorge wrote: The vent thing would make it something worth considering and certainly much more interesting. |
|||||||||
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » The little darlings » » Wacky Washing Machine (2 Likes) | ||||||||||
Go to page [Previous] 1~2~3~4 [Next] |
[ Top of Page ] |
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2024 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.06 seconds requiring 5 database queries. |
The views and comments expressed on The Magic Café are not necessarily those of The Magic Café, Steve Brooks, or Steve Brooks Magic. > Privacy Statement < |