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eSamuels Inner circle 3085 Posts |
Forgive me if this is a case of my lack of search results being due to not knowing exactly what to search for (I'm most definitely not a coin guy)!
I am interested in having a quantity of custom coins produced. I would like the coins to look 'authentic' but with a couple of significant changes in the design. Can anyone point me in the right direction to get this kind of thing done? Many thanks! e Posted: Sep 27, 2010 6:53pm Okay, already got a PM to contact Mr. Tango - which I have done. e |
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Sammy J. Inner circle Castle Rock, Colorado 1786 Posts |
If you want older coins (silver) then Todd Lassen is someone to check with. His stuff is incredible. He is not cheap, and it can take some time, but if you want world class gaffs, you should at least give him a call. He doesn't work with modern day clad coins.
You can get his phone number at http://www.toddlassen.com. Sammy
Sammy J. Teague
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boydy Special user Ayrshire, Scotland 881 Posts |
I have coins by Todd and Jamie and they are pretty similar in quality. Both are fantastic and a pleasure to deal with.
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eSamuels Inner circle 3085 Posts |
I am told that what I want is not a traditionally built/gaffed coin, but rather a custom job requiring a coin stamping template, etc., as the coin needs to be entirely produced anew.
Seems like my idea may be unaffordable....unless someone has a suggestion. |
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swifthand New user 65 Posts |
Are you looking to get coin blanks stamped with your own design? It's something I also looked into for a while, but there aren't many companies that will do that kind of thing, especially if it in any way resembles existing currency! Let us know what you come up with ...
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motown Inner circle Atlanta by way of Detroit 6127 Posts |
"If you ever write anything about me after I'm gone, I will come back and haunt you."
– Karl Germain |
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Sock Puppet Monkey Loyal user 235 Posts |
That's a very cool site. Would make for nice items to give out to audience helpers.
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TWOCAN Special user PORT RICHEY FL 869 Posts |
Todd and Jamie's coin gaffs are the best hands down.
Profits over people are a common thing . Be uncommon and be the best .
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Sean Giles Inner circle Cambridge/ UK 3517 Posts |
I have bought coins from most of the custom machinists now. I have to say that Todd Lassen is without doubt the best. Schoolcraft Precision also make some beautiful coins but with Lassens work, it's as near to perfection as you can get. Just my opinion...
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funnybiz New user 61 Posts |
I have about $5K of gaffs by Schoolcraft and about $2K of gaffs by Lassen. I've also handled a number of Schoolcraft and Lassen gaffs that were owned by friends. I also have gaffs by Kueppers and I have an order coming in from Belmont. I can say from my experience that the "Lassen is the best" mantra is a myth. I have a 3CM and I have a Triple threat. Their quality is indistinguishable. I also have gaffs by both gaffers that are less than impressive.
Lassen is utterly full of himself. Working with him requires a level of reverence some of us are unwilling to give. Thus, I purchase all of my gaffs of his second hand or through a hired 3rd party. Given Lassen's requirement that you bend down and kiss...I think that partially explains the "Lassen is the best" mantra around here. Perhaps many hope to curry favor with Lassen in that way. There may have been a time when Lassen was better, but his infamous customer contempt drove more and more people to Schoolcraft and now he's every bit as overbooked as Lassen and, consequentially, any skill differential has evaporated by sheer experience and practice (and the probability that Schoolcraft was able to afford better tools, etc.) Unlike Lassen, Schoolcraft has fundamental customer respect and appreciation. When I buy from Schoolcraft, my attitude is "I'm happy to pay these prices because your product is great and because I'm happy to support you because you're a great guy.". When I buy a Lassen product, it's only because it's a great product. I have two gaffs, one from each gaffer, that are not great. The Schoolcraft gaff that I'm not impressed with is a $95 coin. The Lassen gaff I'm not impressed with is a $300+ gaff. I have sold gaffs by both gaffers. When I sold a Lassen set I made about $50 profit on the sale (over what I originally paid). When I sold the Schoolcraft gaff I made a $125+ profit. Granted that's highly arbitrary and I recognize very clearly that the opposite could have very easily occurred. Kueppers also does perfectly good and solid quality work. In my opinion, the only reason why he's not mentioned with as much respect is that he tends to stick to the more common coins. I suspect it's a simple business decision. I don't fault Kueppers with sticking with higher and more consistent demand coin work. It's probably easier to get supply and less hassle and such. However, the quality of his work has never, in my experience, been noticeably less than Schoolcraft or Lassen. A final point--as I mentioned in another thread --- I just finished placing an order with Xavier Belmont. I don't have his coins yet, so I can't speak to the his quality, but he was noticeably more responsive, helpful, and gracious than any gaffer I've worked with to date. |
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Sean Giles Inner circle Cambridge/ UK 3517 Posts |
Quote:
On 2010-11-22 15:36, funnybiz wrote: There are lots of people on this forum who openly prefer Schoolcraft Precision. In your wisdom, what do you attribute to the "Schoolcraft is best" mantra, as you put it? What are your presumptions on their motivations? Maybe it's just a bit like cars. Some people might think Ferrari are the best and others might think Lambourgini the best... |
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funnybiz New user 61 Posts |
[quote]On 2010-11-22 20:31, seangiles wrote:
Quote:
Maybe it's just a bit like cars. Some people might think Ferrari are the best and others might think Lambourgini the best... I'm sure you're right. I haven't been around here long enough to have seen someone say they like Schoolcraft more. I'm not sure I could say on craftsmanship, alone, I could agree either way based on what I have or have handled. I could only sympathize with those giving Schoolcraft the edge on a more human/good customer relations standpoint. Perhaps "mantra" was too strong. My short time here has only seen a lot of talk of Lassen. I guess I have missed/not yet seen those equally verbal toward Schoolcraft. There are subtle style differences between the two, certainly, so I can absolutely see the Ferrari/Lambourgini perspective. I, for one, like variety so I appreciate both even if I am also compelled to be open about those things that are, from my perspective at least...less ideal about both. |
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polygonsmagic Veteran user 372 Posts |
Say what you will about Lassen, then go over to his blog and see the sets he has right now. I dare say, there is no one in the world producing coins like this..certainly no one I have heard about. I guess if Lassen won't sell to you, you have to go on a forum and redundantly keep preaching the same thing.
That's my 2 cents. |
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funnybiz New user 61 Posts |
Quote:
On 2010-11-23 22:03, polygonsmagic wrote: I'm afraid that's just about all I personally think it's worth. The difference between my report and yours is I have put my money and time where my mouth is. I have paid for thousands of dollars worth of sets from both gaffers. I have personally interacted with both gaffers. I haven't relied on mere pictures, I have purchased and handled these coins. It is delicious to read Lassen's blog and see how he attempts to make fun of Schoolcraft for the fact that Schoolcraft charges more than he does. The sweetness of it is that Lassen, himself, is the most likely the reason for it. Lassen, with his "legend in his own mind" attitude and his constant berating of a gaffer who is equal to his own ability is driving business *to* Schoolcraft. If it weren't so pathetic you'd think he was secretly trying to do it on purpose. I mean he is so remarkably and blatantly contemptuous toward his customers perhaps it is his attempt at reducing his workload. Here's the honest reality in my own experience. If it hadn't been for Lassen I wouldn't know about Schoolcraft and because of Lassen, Schoolcraft has made over 2-3 times as much money off of me. And because of Lassen, I've been more than happy to pay it. I have never said Lassen wasn't a gifted gaffer, but from where I sit Lassen's greater gift is his ability to shoot himself in the foot and/or his ability to make a donkey of himself (substitute a three letter word that starts with a and ends with s). |
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BanzaiMagic Inner circle 1339 Posts |
Many on this forum have spent thousands with both Lassen and Schoolcraft (myself included). I am truly sorry you can not buy directly from Lassen, but if you could, you would find that Todd is constantly pushing the envelope in terms of quality and innovation. As polygon said, check the website for the amazing walking liberty CSB gaffs he is currently working on.
It's not simply that Todd has created innovative new gimmicks (and don't get me wrong, I love my Morgan TUC and my OXF as well), it's what Todd has done to elevate and improve the bread and butter gaffs as well as the newer gaffs that makes him unique. If, because Todd won't sell to you anymore, you can't buy his newest items, then respectfully, you really don't know Lassen. Regards, Alan |
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funnybiz New user 61 Posts |
Quote:
On 2010-11-24 01:33, BanzaiMagic wrote: As I have clearly stated I have and do buy Lassen's gaffs--just not directly. I have a Triple Threat and Scotch and Soda from him, for example, that he unknowingly sold to me. They are very good gaffs. I bought them because I wanted variety and because Schoolcraft is very backed up (partially thanks to Lassen). However, with hands on experience I can say, once again, these coins are no better than what Schoolcraft produces. From hands on experience I can say in all confidence that it is far more likely that those claiming Lassen is better are largely doing so without the benefit of the hands on experience with multiple gaffs that I have. Incidentally I love the recent jab Lassen has on is blog -- re: "Schooltool". The reality is Lassen, himself, is the tool--a tool for driving repeated business to Schoolcraft. Note that Schoolcraft never lowers himself to Lassen's level and responds to Lassen's repeated kindergarten jabs. Maybe if he put as much energy into his craft as he does in demonstrating his childishness towards Schoolcraft...maybe Lassen would, in fact, be able to achieve a higher level of craftsmanship than Schoolcraft. Lassen is fond of dogging Schoolcraft for his prices. Here's the reality though--we who know better aren't paying more for Schoolcraft's gaffs out of ignorance. We do so out of full and complete knowledge of our options. I was perfectly fine with paying someone an extra $50 each to help me acquire the two gaffs I mentioned above from Lassen. I was also perfectly fine paying Schoolcraft about 20% more for some gaffs than what Lassen charges for the same gaffs on his site. One reason why the premium was worth it is that Schoolcraft understands this little thing called "customer service" and I don't have to worship the false idol of Schoolcraft like I have to worship the false idol of Lassen in order to get the darn stuff. The other reason, of course, is that Schoolcraft's quality is every bit as good as Lassen's. The only thing I will concede is that their styles are different and Lassen does deal with a larger variety of coin options. Beyond that I have hands on experience in knowing that it is a myth that Lassen's quality is any better than Schoolcraft's. |
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BanzaiMagic Inner circle 1339 Posts |
Quote:
As I have clearly stated I have and do buy Lassen's gaffs--just not directly. I have a Triple Threat and Scotch and Soda from him, for example, that he unknowingly sold to me... Thank you for admitting you are banned from buying directly from Lassen. In my line of work that is called "bias" and would be strong evidence that your opinions (as they relate to Lassen) are suspect. I don't begrudge your right to express your opinion (after all - everyone has one), but it is good to know motivations when strong opinions are expressed here on the Café. Regards, Alan |
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mavericklancer Elite user Tustin, CA 448 Posts |
When did funnybiz ever say he was banned from buying direct?
As I recall, he said: Quote:
Working with him requires a level of reverence some of us are unwilling to give. Thus, I purchase all of my gaffs of his second hand or through a hired 3rd party. At least to me, that means that he's able to buy directly, but chooses to because of lack of customer service. At the very least, my inquiries for Lassen have never been answered. I've emailed him on three separate occasions and have never gotten a reply. Jamie has always sent back a reply within 3 to 4 days. Admittedly, I've never personally interacted with Lassen, but I have had some experience handling a few of his gaffs from other magicians. I'll be interested to see how they stack up against my OxF once it arives. |
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funnybiz New user 61 Posts |
Quote:
On 2010-11-24 02:40, BanzaiMagic wrote: I never said I was banned. That may be the case, I don't know--Lassen never indicated directly such. As I related in another thread, I contacted Lassen directly for a job once. He agreed to a rush fee for some coins for which I paid him in advance. I kept in contact with him. After waiting one month past the promised time for delivery, I called and he had the nerve to be mad at me (to the point of cussing at me) for expecting him to keep his commitment. After that I preferred not to deal with him directly even if I continued to appreciate his work. I am confident that any reasonable person reading this will be able to see where the real bias is. I share all this in the spirit of "Magicians Helping Magicians". New coin handlers are asking the question and I'm offering as honest a perspective as I can and backing up with details and relating my experience. Most of the Lassen supporters are simply saying "Lassen is the best" without backing it up. I'm sure normal everyday non-biased coin gaff enthusiasts like me will be able to see through cheap shots like your accusation of my so-called bias which is straight from the page of Lassen's habit of the pot calling the kettle black. Those who prefer Lassen to Schoolcraft--that's all well and good. However, claiming that Lassen is better than Schoolcraft is, in my hands on experience--untrue. If you find otherwise---good for you. I am one person who can accurately and honestly report that from what I have experienced--Lassen's work is no better than Schoolcraft's. If I'm "biased" because I prefer to purchase from a vendor that keeps his commitments and who doesn't unreasonably cuss at his customers and treat them with contempt--well fine...that's a "bias" I'm sure any normal person would think is reasonable. I'll let others judge your bias for themselves. |
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BanzaiMagic Inner circle 1339 Posts |
Quote:
On 2010-11-24 03:06, mavericklancer wrote: You are correct. He did not disclose the fact that he is banned from buying direct (a fact that is apparent to anyone reading Todd's blog over the past few weeks). And for the record, I do not have a bias against any of the great gaff makers we are now privileged to buy from. With the unbelievable innovations coming out all the time from all the great gaff makers, it's just a great time to be alive. |
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