In the March issue of Magic Magazine is an article by Gabe Fajuri, titled Tarbell's Hindu Rope Mystery.
He states that 'you cant buy the necessary gimmicks in magic shops as you used to'

Which gimmicks was he referring to?
Anyone perform this effect?

thanks!

Tarbell rope gimmicks. You can see them in the Tarbell books.

Unfortunately, times do change and so do product offerings. One more reason to get to every magic flea market and auction you can.

Scheme!

Bob

Tarbell like gimmicks are available here: http://www.abbottmagic.com/Abbotts-Rope-......mick.htm

The brass one is Braco Miracle Rope Gimmick from Europe, which is similar to the Tarbell gimmick.

http://www.trickproduction.com/gimmicks/......ick.html

Thanks Bill, as usual you are a great resource!

You can make them out of 1/4" aluminum screw rivets. Cut off the head, cut the barrel off of another one. Voila! About 79 cents...

Jimmy

I always found that the motion required to use the gimmick was hard to mask. Always too much heat on the millisecond needed to open and close the screw.

Well done Bill. You came up with the perfect answer for only $6

I used to do a gag. "You know how a magician cuts a rope in two (do so) ??? You just take the two ends and screw them together (do so)!!" This, amazingly, played very well.

Thanks for that, Bill! Do you think there is any advantage to the brass version?

Jim

I don't know what the white one is, I don't see the threads for the screw in the picture. I bought my Abbott rope gimmick when they made them, it was painted white, and had the screw end, it was made so depending on the thickness of your rope you put them on the outside or inside of the rope. It only takes like a 3/4 turn to release it. They are usually tied or sewn in or onto the rope. The brass one has that hole so you can run your thread through it to secure it so it will not come out. Of course you can glue them in as well, but the added security is good.

I think Rice's Rope Hectic booklet explains about rope gimmicks or maybe it is in Keith Clark's Rope Royale. Been a while since I messed with them, so I will have to dig them out and see.

http://www.silkkingmagic.com/Martineaus%20Rope%20Hectic.htm

http://www.silkkingmagic.com/Keith%20Cla......0Act.htm