I've been told that the original Maher course, written by Fred Maher himself, was, in some ways, superior to its later incarnations. I've been looking for a copy of it for over a year now, and I think there's one currently being sold on ebay. I've asked the seller but he/she was unsure. Can anyone confirm that this is, in fact, the original Maher course?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mayer-School-of-......1104b950

Thanks!

I saw that, it does appear to be an original, or at least a much earlier version than when Clinton took over.
I have never heard before that it was better than the later versions, but just because I haven't heard that doesn't mean it isn't possible.

Thanks, Dave. I was surprised when it was suggested to me that the original course was better. I always assumed that it improved over the years. The person who expressed this view said that Fred Maher's course was much more stripped down to the essentials, with less fillers, and had better lessons on the distant voice. I'm in no position to comment. While I did take the course from Clinton in the '90s, I've never seen a copy of the original.

Speaking of vent courses, does anyone have an thoughts on Bob Neller's course?

I have the Maher course, it is in a plastic box and comes with cassette tapes and accompanying booklets, I have read it many times, if it is what you are looking for PM me, george

Thanks, George. But you seems to have one of the ones that Clinton Detweiler sold for many years. It actually sounds like the one I had, including cassette tapes, before the addition of Mark Wade's DVDs. I'm referring to the original course written by Fred Maher himself. I understand it had 30 lessons and was typed up and mimeographed.

It's been a long time since I've listened to it, since I only have it on cassette, but I recall that Neller's course had perhaps the best explanation of the distant voice that I have ever come across.

Joe Libby
San Antonio, TX

That's my understanding as well, Joe.

We should ask Tom Ladsaw about this matter, I think.
Please somebody who go to the ConVENTion ask this issue to Tom, then post it.
Thx!

Way ahead of you, Budi. Actually, Tom is the person in question who I spoke to.

Most of the vents in the late 19th century were primarily distant voice ventriloquists.

FREDERICK MACCABE, who wrote a small book on ventriloquism, did not use figures at all.

You might find his book useful -- as old as it is -- if you are reading up on distant voice.

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Click here to view attached image.

Sometimes people will say what ever they need to in order to sell something (goodness knows I've fallen for that routine a couple of times recently).

I have both of them and to be honest I don't see much difference except for maybe a bit more information and suggestions in the course Clinton Detweiler sold. The Maher course is of course very good, but I wouldn't necessarily rate one as better than the other (unless you want more information then go with the later version). The reason why I have both is because I wanted an updated version of an old course and I was pleased with what I got.

I have to agree Neller's course is great for the distance voice and you can buy it on cd from Lee Cornell's site.

Thanks for the suggestion, Fonsy. I am familiar with that book.

Aussie, Please know Tom was not trying to sell me anything. I had simply asked him for his opinion on the best resources for learning vent. I am always interested in hearing what other vents think about this. Tom did not, and, as far as I know, does not have an original Maher course for sale. He was simply responding to my inquiry.

That said, I basically agree with your point. While I have no opinion on Fred Maher's original course, I have come to the conclusion that there are many avenues through which one can learn the basics of vent. While some resources are better than others, I think an interested person can learn through the many decent resources available (including on the net), without spending much money at all.

Thanks guys!

I wasn't suggesting Tom in particular was trying to sell you anything, just making a general observation really

That being said, after all these years of being a ventriloquist I still gather up anything there is about how to do it. For me personally it's a constant learning skill and so I remain open to anyone's opinions and advise on how it's done. So you make a good point. Gosh I have a myriad of books, tapes, CDs and videos that I love to refer to over and over. Luckily the vent community is a very giving one and the exchange of information is always there to share.

Understood, Aussie. And I agree with you about the value of continually learning.