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invalidity Regular user 170 Posts |
I've been reading some of the threads on the Cups and Balls and must admit to being a little bit intimidated. Where to start?
Well, I should have a second hand copy of Gazzo's booklet coming soon. Can anyone recommend some affordable cups for me (a hobbyist) to start out with? Any opinions on the Harries cups? |
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RobertBloor Inner circle The Socialist Republic of the USA. 1051 Posts |
Invalidity,
I'm not familiar with the Harries cups. As for what to start with, dude you can use anything. Get some coffee mugs from the dollar store. Use some super balls to manipulate, and final loads - the sky is the limit. If you want a good set up cups to get started and really get a feel for performing, try the Johnson Cups. They're well weighted, very attractive and only cost $199. Also, check out magicpitch.com. Gary has some of his older designed cups for only $99!! I'm tellin' ya, you will NEVER again see a deal like that. Don't be intimidated by Cups & Balls. I'd recommend getting Gazzo's video also. If you watch his show you'll see he's got some real brass to do some of the moves. But no one catches him (and if they do, oh well). Good luck! Robert Bloor
"That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government,"
-The Declaration of Independence |
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Pete Biro 1933 - 2018 18558 Posts |
For a new guy with the cups, if you go on ebay you will find cups made in India that are very low price. You will also find these in magic shops.
Once you learn a basic routine then you can decide if you want to upgrade. First thing I would go to http://www.stevensmagic.com and buy the inexpensive TEACH IN CUPS AND BALLS VIDEO. This gives you several options and the basic Dai Vernon routine is a NO BRAINER... you learn that and you are set for life. Sure you can change it, add or take away, but it will give you the needed GROUNDWORK. The video after that (but learn it first) would be the Ammar Complete Cups and Balls set of two. That is more than any one will need. After that it is YOUR PERSONALITY and the way you sell the trick that is more important. If you want to be different than 90% of the rest of the herd, look at the Johnny Paul routine (Fred Kaps has a similar one in print) and/or the Hindu Cups. Also, go to http://www.jamesriser.com and look at his "how to select cups" pages. Go for it...
STAY TOONED... @ www.pete-biro.com
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JamesinLA Inner circle Los Angeles 3400 Posts |
Also, if you're working the street (since you posted in the busking thread) it's important to make your routine as "interactive" with the audience as possible. The more you involve the audience members, the better your hat has the potential to be.
Jim
Oh, my friend we're older but no wiser, for in our hearts the dreams are still the same...
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invalidity Regular user 170 Posts |
Thanks for the advice guys...
What about wooden cups? I like the look of wood. How do wooden cups compare to good old metal ones? |
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RobertBloor Inner circle The Socialist Republic of the USA. 1051 Posts |
Wood or Metal
If you're on the street, I'd use metal. Simply for the reason that if you get a strong gust of wind, the metal won't go anywhere. Wood may tip over. Otherwise, it's your preference. Robert Bloor
"That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government,"
-The Declaration of Independence |
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invalidity Regular user 170 Posts |
Thanks for the advice and pointers Robert. I am this close to placing an order for a set of the old Animal Cups and save myself the trouble of having to upgrade later. I just need to sort out my paypal account and maybe, starve for a couple of weeeks.
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restlessplots Regular user 124 Posts |
The only problem with the old Animal Cups and I was really thinking about getting a set is, It's no good for the three ball display move but otherwise a great choice, as noted in the ad. This is a move you may wish to use in the future, as long as you know this up front the cups are great. I myself worked really hard and ate beans and rice for a while to buy the upgraded Animal cups. Should be here soon, can't wait.
rest |
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what Special user Lehi, UT, USA 643 Posts |
I am also new to the Cups & Balls. I started out a couple of years ago with Mark Wilson's routine from his Complete Course in Magic book. I use plastic cups from the local super market. It is an easy to learn routine that will have you performing for family and friends in a short amount of time and goes over surprisingly well.
Last year, I purchased a Morissey Combo set and have been working on a routine by John Mendozza. I perform the Wilson routine more often than the more elaborate Mendozza routine because it is much easier to get into and out of impromptu and has no angle problems to speak of. I would learn some simple routines with less expensive cups before making an investment in cups that you don't understand yet. Good luck, Mike
Magic is fun!!!
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BroDavid Inner circle America’s North Coast, Ohio 3176 Posts |
For a cheap and simple set of cups, and balls, go to Wall Mart and spend about $5 total.
In the area where they have plastic ware for picnic and for Children; i.e. dishes, glasses, etc. They have brightly colored plastic glasses that totally opaque, come in red, green, blue and yellow, and have very nice stacking ridge on them so that you can hold a pretty good load when stacked (you can get more than just 3 "balls" in their attics). (Cups cost .69 or .89 each) and then mosey over to the crafts department and get some of the little Pom Poms to use as balls. I use the sparkling ones in a complementary color to the cup color. You get about 30 in a bag, but it is cheap (around $1.50) so for a total of less than $5, you have cups that handle well enough to start with,( and beat the socks off of the little gray Adams plastic cups some of us tried to learn to use back in "the day") and can learn the basics and then graduate to really good cups when you know cups are really your thing! In my opinion, If you can't do good magic with cheap props, you can't do good magic even with great props either. But if you can do good magic with cheap props, you can probably do great magic with great props. BroDavid
If you stand for nothing, you will fall for anything.
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KingStardog Inner circle 2134 Posts |
The least you should have for the street is the Morissey Combo set in copper. Several folks get these to work till they decide what they want.
You get a C&B set and you can pull out the chop cup to use on its own when you don't want to do a whole routine. If you are clever and can follow the gaffs you can do things that other folks can't even get close to. Since this is the busking section, you will want cups that can hold at least baseballs or like Gazzo uses large oranges.
...think not that all wisdom is in your school. You may have studied other paths,but, it is important to remember that no matter who you are or where you come from, there is always more to learn.
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Dave V Inner circle Las Vegas, NV 4824 Posts |
Quote:
On 2003-09-14 14:55, invalidity wrote: "Old Animal Cups"??? Okay, I don't browse magic shops like I used to but I try to keep up with what's out there. What are these?
No trees were killed in the making of this message, but a large number of electrons were terribly inconvenienced.
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MagiUlysses Special user Kansas City 504 Posts |
Greetings and Salutations Mage,
It's good to see you've survived another faire season! Go to http://www.magicpitch.com/ to see Gazzo and Gary Knight's line of cups. You should find the old Animals there! Later, Joe in KC Live a great adventure, have a magical life! |
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Kondini Inner circle 3609 Posts |
Used to do Ken Brookes routine which was based on Vernon's then went simple with the Pat Page system, tried the Kaps method with the sealed cup finish and so on. Found that while performing I shifted by accident from one to the other in mid stream, got completely confused and after leaving the cups alone for a year or so went back to the simple direct Pat Page routine with extra climax loads for the finish. I now use Cellini cups for cabaret and Gazzo cups in the street. Headache !!!
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Dave V Inner circle Las Vegas, NV 4824 Posts |
Quote:
On 2003-11-17 15:28, MagiUlysses wrote: Thank you! I knew of Gazzo but not Gary Animal. They do look great! For now I'm using my "Charlie Miller" cups. They can't really balance balls on top as the "well" is almost non-existent, but depending on the routine, they will suffice. Being heavy copper, a bit "rough around the edges", they look "period" enough due to the nice patina they have developed that my laccquered Morrissey cups will never have. They serve my purpose quite well.
No trees were killed in the making of this message, but a large number of electrons were terribly inconvenienced.
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Dbzkid999 Elite user Canada 407 Posts |
What kind of books or videos are recommended?
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Pete Biro 1933 - 2018 18558 Posts |
What kind of books or videos? Re-read the third message from the top... that's all you need to begin with.
STAY TOONED... @ www.pete-biro.com
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what Special user Lehi, UT, USA 643 Posts |
Dbzkid999,
Make sure you have a copy of "Mark Wilsons Complete Course in Magic" He has a routine that will get you up and running in no time. Then go for something more intricate like the Vernon Routine (Videos that teach this are available from Michael Ammar or David Regal). But beware, the Cups & Balls are very addicting and can easily sink up all of your spare time.
Magic is fun!!!
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ClodAppleleft Regular user Manchester, NH 195 Posts |
If you're looking for a great video, check out the new Michael Ammar DVD's. I have the first one, and I learned more from that DVD then any of the books I've read. Great introduction to the Cups and Balls. Once I get my current routine perfected, (still having problems with esposing the final loads some times.) I'm going to order the 2nd, more advanced DVD.
Jeff
There are many different ways to cut an apple.
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KingStardog Inner circle 2134 Posts |
Agreed. There is realy nothing wrong with the Wilson book routine. Actualy its realy a good "no wand" routine, to start out on. When you are ready for more(the balls end up where they are supposed to go and there are no flashes) take Pete's advice.
The no wand situation will bring a sense that you need to misdirect with your voice and eyes, a very valuable skill to learn early on.
...think not that all wisdom is in your school. You may have studied other paths,but, it is important to remember that no matter who you are or where you come from, there is always more to learn.
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