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Otto D New user London, UK 24 Posts |
Hey, as it's only one month to Christmas, what would be the best items to have on a Christmas list?
So far I have Wilsons complete course in magic (Lots fo forums have suggested it) and some cards (mine are ripped and broken but any suggestions for good brands would be cool.) What would you add? Otto |
Terrible Wizard Inner circle 1973 Posts |
Depends what areas of magic you want to get into.
I assume that you are into cards, so in that regard I'd suggest: A close-up mat Gerry Griffins Complete Card Magic DVD set (totally brilliant, IMHO) The Royal Road to Card Magic book A pack of either Bicycle or Phoenix cards If you want more stuff, and stuff other than cards, then I'd suggest either: Richard Sanders Turbostick DVD and prop (if you want a paddle trick) Or Some super soft spongeballs and Daryl's Essentials Spongeballs DVD or Steve Dacri's Spongeball Toolbox Additionally, some non-trick reading: Hiding the Elephant book Carter Beats the Devil book |
DrewPett New user 33 Posts |
These suggestions above are excellent. I would definitely pick up Royal Road if you're into cards. I have it and love it. Sponge balls are also a great prop that always plays huge (for me anyways) and also a great way to learn some basic sleights as well in my opinion. And yeah I would suggest Bicycle cards all the way (pick up a few decks cause you'll go through them quickly). Just remember not to overload yourself with tons and tons of props and books. Start with one or two things and learn and practice them to perfection then move on.
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charliemartin Special user Rapid City, SD 779 Posts |
Cards..Card College..all volumes.
Anything by John Carey Big Blind Media's Ultimate Self Working Card Tricks |
MVoss Veteran user Boston, MA 372 Posts |
Quote:
On Nov 25, 2014, charliemartin wrote: Second vote for this. |
Dick Oslund Inner circle 8357 Posts |
Since you are a "First o' May" (In my circus days, a fellow who had just joined the show.)I would strongly recommend that you NOT specialize in any "area", YET!! As you progress, you may find, for example, cards, but first, you need to study MAGIC!
I first read (and studied) Doc. TARBELL'S "Course in Magic", in 1946 (I was 14) and, it changed my whole viewpoint. I had been performing since 1945, and had had only exposure to "kid" library books. For the first time, I began to understand what magic was all about. Medical students first learn the basics, THEN, they MAY specialize. Volume I of the course introduces you to the history and science of magic, (Those who don't study history, are condemned to repeat it!) Vol. I covers magic with coins, the TT. balls, torn & restored paper (napkins, etc.)the rope & tape principle, handkerchief tricks, silk knot tricks, ETC.. Basically, if you have a decent deck of cards, a TT, a few golf ball size balls, some tissue paper and, or papernapkins, some 1/4" cotton, or nylon rope , a few ladies head scarves, or magicians' silks (which you can purchase when you come to that chapter!) you can do most of the tricks that Doc teaches. There are SEVEN volumes. This is just the beginning! There is a pdf of the original '20s course available, I think, FREE! The course was republished about ten years later. It was expanded and some new material was added. The original course will be fine. The later edition (7 volumes) is about $20 per volume. You may want to invest in them later. The pdf will get you started. The course was written in the 1920s, so the patter suggested is archaic! Skim over it and forget it! The PRINCIPLES that you will learn,will be useful for the rest of your life!!!!!!!! I have used some of them in my professional show, ALL MY LIFE! --And, I've been performing since 1945, as a full time professional for almost 50 years. If you start buying "toys", you'll spend a lot of money, and you will most likely be disappointed!!! If you'll PM me, I'll be a bit more specific regarding supplies and props. (This is a public forum, and we don't discuss details!) Dick Oslund, Sneaky, underhanded, devious, and surreptitious itinerant mountebanc
SNEAKY, UNDERHANDED, DEVIOUS,& SURREPTITIOUS ITINERANT MOUNTEBANK
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Wizard of Oz Inner circle Most people wish I didn't have 5150 Posts |
I would invite Dick Oslund over.
Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain.
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gomerel Elite user 458 Posts |
Family gift exchange is $50. I'll think of a few things and add the alternative of a gift certificate from Grand Illusions, local brick and mortar.
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Wizard of Oz Inner circle Most people wish I didn't have 5150 Posts |
One of my favorite gifts of all time when I was growing up, and just starting out in magic, was a $20 gift certificate from my Godparents to our local brick & mortar shop. I thought I had died and gone to heaven. It might have been the anticipation that was the best part...waiting until my dad had a weekend off to drive me to the shop, knowing I could pick out anything within my budget. Back then in 1970, $20 was probably worth close to $100. That was a pretty magical gift.
Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain.
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charliemartin Special user Rapid City, SD 779 Posts |
I vote Dick Oslund for "Guest of the Month". I have been doing magic for many years and am a professional, but I always learn something new reading his posts.
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charliemartin Special user Rapid City, SD 779 Posts |
One of my favorite Christmas memories was going to Tannen's with my Dad. He was an amatuer magician as a boy. I got the Tannen's catalog, which in those days was a huge book. I was given $100 to spend. I spent weeks pouring over the catalog, making notes and lists. We went to Tannen's one Saturday afternoon right before Christmas and I was in heaven. The demonstrator was awesome, he demo'ed tricks, he looked at my list and disagreed with some choices and recommended others. When I was done with my purchase, my Dad added a few things..like the chinese sticks and cups & balls. To this day, the chinese sticks are in every show I do.
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MichaelJae Loyal user 281 Posts |
Your wish list should be very inexpensive. 2 packs of cards, TT, silks, spongeballs and Tarbells Vol. 1. You will get way more mileage out of these then any one single "trick". Most hot new items on the market average between $25-$35. The entire list provided for you wont even cost that much. I suggest you start from ground zero and work your way up to the magician you want to be.
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DrewPett New user 33 Posts |
Wow so much great info and advice! Why I love this site. And yes always listen to Dick Oslund. I have always learned something when I come across something he's posted. Or at least am thoroughly entertained I'd like to know what you end up putting on the list, Otto! Hope it turns out to be a very magical Christmas for you!!
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Otto D New user London, UK 24 Posts |
Thanks DrewPett, will let you know when I've compiled it.
Otto |
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