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Greg Arce Inner circle 6732 Posts |
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On Jan 20, 2022, jerdunn wrote: Thanks. Greg
One of my favorite quotes: "A critic is a legless man who teaches running."
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Chris Aguilar Special user 540 Posts |
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On Jan 20, 2022, Greg Arce wrote: "Vino Aces" is also nicely written up in John's book "One Degree". https://www.conjuringarchive.com/list/bo......ht=22232 And can also be found on his excellent Penguin Magic lecture. https://www.penguinmagic.com/p/3543 And a slightly updated version of "Vino Aces" can be found on Reel Magic Magazine. (link is only good if you're a member.) http://reelmagicmagazine.com/lectures-h/......aW5vIl0= |
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JohnG V.I.P. 372 Posts |
Hey everyone. I appreciate all the comments. Truly.
If you know my work, you know I am constantly seeking “one degree” improvements. I fully acknowledge that this project builds on a classic routine. Any of you can go buy the three standard gaffs to do this effect. Here’s the way I look at it. Using the twelve PICTURE cards with the Aces elevates the routine. We don’t often think about the significance or rationale for 12 cards with the Aces. Using court cards is a “one degree” leap that adds distinctive elegance, clarity, meaning, and beauty. Now you get all of the cards you need (21 of them) to perform three different routines out of the box, as well as a gorgeous wallet to hold and protect your cards. The classic routine is elevated by using the 12 court cards with the Aces, adding elegance, clarity, and beauty. My signature closer Vino Aces Royale is among the routines using these distinctive cards. Over a dozen cool card moves are also taught in an hour of detailed instruction and dialogue between David and myself. Some will see reignited passion for the routine. Some will see a little need to replace the typical cards you always use with the 12 picture cards. In my view the aesthetics and elegance make a difference. If it doesn’t for you, I completely respect that. We all have our own lens on what represents good magic. This project is available to those who would see importance in learning additional touches, moves, switches, and performance tips from me and David - and of course having a set of cards that you can’t get elsewhere. I debated even posting. I know I risk fueling the flames or coming across as defensive, but I assure you it is neither of those. I wanted to add some extra perspective that I believe is an important part of the conversation. With respect, John G
John Guastaferro
Website: www.MagicJohnG.com Facebook fan page: www.facebook.com/MagicJohnG Twitter: twitter.com/johngmagic YouTube: www.youtube.com/johngmagic Email: johnGmagic@mac.com |
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Steven Conner Inner circle 2720 Posts |
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On Jan 20, 2022, JohnG wrote: Hi John, glad you popped in. I do think all is well on my front. The only suggestion I would make is don't show clips of other effects that might not be included. This is really nice and look forward to receiving it. Best Steve
"The New York Papers," Mark Twain once said,"have long known that no large question is ever really settled until I have been consulted; it is the way they feel about it, and they show it by always sending to me when they get uneasy. "
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RNK Inner circle 7491 Posts |
Thanks John, your post makes sense and I don't feel to came off defensive. I also feel David Regal doesn't offer to add his insight and name to many things unless they are good and he feels it benefits the art. So I'm looking forward to viewing the video.
RNK
Check out Bafflingbob.com
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dmm New user 83 Posts |
I think a creator can and should charge what they want. Their time, energy and expense has value. If you are a pro or even an amateur who makes money performing and it interests you, then $40 is stupid cheap.
If you are looking to mess with your friends or be a secret collector, then $40 can be a lot. There are tens of thousands or card tricks out there, pick one and do that instead. If pros release their work, which is how they make their money and you like it, it has tremendous value and you should be thankful. I've paid $1,000 for a line or a joke before because it had value to me. I also wouldn't pay $10 for a lot of downloads. All of this is okay and your feelings to like or dislike a piece is fine, but I don't think people have the right to put a price on someone's work when they themselves are not putting work out there. I see and appreciate the nuances that they are offering and that has value to me, just the idea and concept of the wine glasses is worth the $40, once again to me. In a time that bringing audience member's on stage is dwindling, I can't wait to work on this. Ordered and thanks David and John. |
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Chris Aguilar Special user 540 Posts |
I appreciate the comments John, though (speaking only for myself), I don't really value the concept of using court cards for the gaffs in lieu of the regular mix of cards. I'm a huge fan of the "one degree" concept, when a small change can make a real difference. In this case, I think the one degree changes(at least those seen on the ad videos) provide something more akin to a one degree improvement.
But that's just one guy's option. I'm sure one's mileage might vary in this regard. And the wallet is just a wallet, right? Not gaffed in any way to help the effect? Just an elegant container to remove the cards from? If so, why not offer the gaffs/routines sans the wallet? |
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JohnG V.I.P. 372 Posts |
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On Jan 20, 2022, Chris Aguilar wrote: Totally respect that. We all have choices. It’s what good magic boils down to. And it depends on style, persona, etc. I get that using court cards would work for you or be viewed as an improvement. And if you’re looking for a trick wallet, this project is not that. I know many of us have cards/gaffs laying around everywhere, some in bags, some warped, some separated. The wallet is simply and solely designed to store, carry, and present your cards. Heck, I’ve had others ask just for the wallet and not the cards, lol.
John Guastaferro
Website: www.MagicJohnG.com Facebook fan page: www.facebook.com/MagicJohnG Twitter: twitter.com/johngmagic YouTube: www.youtube.com/johngmagic Email: johnGmagic@mac.com |
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pegasus Eternal Order United Kingdom 10537 Posts |
John. You would not even begin to believe how many wallets 99 percent of members, here, have. If I said 20 I wouldn’t be exaggerating.
And each one is better than the preceding. Hey DMM. You can have one of my jokes for free. “A Woodpecker called me paranoid the other day; in morse code” |
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Chris Aguilar Special user 540 Posts |
If the wallet is so nice, why not sell it separately? Why force it to be part of a "bundle package"?
The same goes for the actual routine/gaffs/etc. |
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martydoesmagic Inner circle Essex, UK 1665 Posts |
As someone concerned about the aesthetics of the magic I perform, I think using the picture cards does add visual clarity, elegance, and beauty (as mentioned by John). Those touches are easily worth $40 in my view. I've also ruined a few sets of gaffs in the past by not storing them correctly, so I appreciate the included high-quality wallet.
Once the initial run has sold out, I wouldn't be surprised if this is offered without the wallet for people interested in the routines and not the props. |
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RNK Inner circle 7491 Posts |
I agree that the visual looks better using court cards.
Check out Bafflingbob.com
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Mercury52 Inner circle Kevin Reylek 2239 Posts |
I've just watched the Picturesque download, and really enjoyed it. These days, sometimes even a 10-15 minute magic video can feel tedious. Thanks to all of our modern media, I feel like sometimes my attention span has been reduced to that of a gnat. But I felt like this hour-long download flew by. The pacing was great, and John & David packed in a lot of information.
Like many of us, my first exposure to McDonald's Aces was the version taught by Michael Ammar on ETMCM Vol 2 back in the 90s. Lots of us have more or less done it that way for 20-25 years. The first 10 mins of the Picturesque video covers not only how John & David came together to release this version, but some fascinating history on JW McDonald. The meat of the video covers the various handlings from John and David. Whether you're working close-up or parlor, there's something here you can use. Then the final 10 minutes has David explaining a number of various changes and vanishes so you can pick and choose what you like best. You get 5 gimmicks, the necessary regular cards, and the vegan leather wallet. I don't have the props in my hands yet, but the wallet looks nice. The guys talk about how you can have everything come from a full deck, or you can introduce the full set of cards from the wallet. Someone asked if the gimmicks allow you to use something other than Spades as the leader ace. No, the gimmicks allow you to have the 3 'vanish' piles be mixed courts or be matched as all Jacks, Queens, and Kings. But Spades will always be where the 4 Aces come together. As I mentioned, I've known the 'classic' version for over 20 years. I think the change to using picture cards instead of random spot cards is a major improvement that definitely adds clarity and beauty to the effect. For everyone saying that they should have sold just the download, or just the cards, or not the wallet, or just the wallet, or whichever other variation - I think this makes a nice package. You're not paying for just the ideas, or just the cards, or just the wallet. It's a cohesive package & presentation. The guys realize that not everyone will want to perform it the same way, and by making the package they give everyone options. You can do it from a deck or from the wallet. You can do it close up or parlor. You can have the court packets mixed or arranged as the sets of Jacks, Queens, and Kings. You can choose which vanishes best suit your style. I'd highly recommend this, even if you already perform the classic version. Definite value for money, and IMO elevated visuals and presentations by making a seemingly minor change to the classic gimmicks.
Kevin Reylek
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CardGuyMike Special user 787 Posts |
How many times have we paid $40 for a terrible trick that sits in our bottom drawer?
If you already have McDonald's Aces and are happy with your gaffs and routine, then fair play -- this is not for you. But I would think that John and David have earned enough trust in the community to give them the benefit of the doubt that this is a good release. I am interested in their thoughts, handlings and vanishes. I think it has value even if I ultimately choose not to use any of it. I ordered directly from David so don't have the tutorial yet but I am sure I will agree with Kevin. |
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Chris Aguilar Special user 540 Posts |
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On Jan 22, 2022, Mercury52 wrote: Disagree. You don't need a "package" here, just the cards/gaffs and the routine. The wallet is superfluous. The main value here is the wonderful "Vino Aces" routine. And that routine is already out there. A lot! It's been published in many lectures, videotapes, in book form, etc. I think most of John G's fans (like me!) probably have bought it (perhaps multiple times) and have enjoyed it over the years. Vino Aces (and a full lecture!) can be had for a five buck month membership at reel magic. And I bet a ton of people already own it (in the book one degree, John's lectures/videos/etc.) So the forty bucks is mainly for the "extras". The court card thing, which I don't value and actually kind of dislike David's shoehorning extra effect into what is normally a laser focused gathering of aces. I much prefer Vino Aces and don't find his version an improvement over most good MacDonald ace routines. The other extras are the "vegan" wallet (please, don't make me spend money on this in a bundle!)and a few extra vanishes. To be honest, the only vanish that seemed super "new" on the ad didn't really appeal to me. It's the herky jerky throw down thing that comes after a bunch of much smoother handling and just didn't flow well. Perhaps the others are better? I hope so! But that's me. If someone is enamored of the court card thing and wants to buy an extra vegan wallet, have at it. But let's not pretend the main vintage here (the excellent vino) isn't what you're mostly buying here for $40. (and remember, that can be hand much cheaper many other places). The court card assembly thing (tabled version) is nice, but just smacks of session material (look a kicker!) It's mostly marketing, I guess. Otherwise, how one you ask $40 for (core) a routine that a lot of people already own or can buy quite inexpensively. |
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pegasus Eternal Order United Kingdom 10537 Posts |
Well said Chris. Absolutely nothing new here at all apart from a crappy looking wallet.
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dirtyfoucault Special user UK 675 Posts |
Reading forums like this it's a wonder these guys - two of our greatest living creators - bother sharing their work with the magic community at all.
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Xcath1 Inner circle 3052 Posts |
I purchased cause I'm a big fan of both of these guys but commenting on the perceived value of a trick is fair game for this forum. Vino Aces is one of John's masterpieces and as a pointed out multiple times available for less money from several sources. It is not unheard of for a creator to do "deep dive" on a favored effect, release it on it's own and charge a premium. To each his own.
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Chris Aguilar Special user 540 Posts |
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On Jan 22, 2022, dirtyfoucault wrote: I consider myself a Regal and Guastaferro "super fan" and have had the pleasure of meeting them in person and can't say enough nice things about their magic (in general). I own all their books, because within each there are many (but not all!) items that really appeal to me. But that has nothing to do with commenting about a specific product being brought to market and its relative merits. I buy product if it has value to me, not just because I'm a super fan and want to mindlessly buy everything from my favorite creators. Especially when a creator puts out a fair amount of product, it seems silly to imagine that I'd be expected to buy every single thing whether it suits my needs or not. As someone else claimed, the version of vino aces sold here isn't a "deep dive", it's basically the same near exact handling using court card gaffs instead of regular "x" cards. From the ad video, the extra Regal MacDonald's Aces variation (tabled, with the superfluous court cards kicker) and new vanishes don't seem to add much to the joy that is already "Vino Aces". The superb Vino Aces (mostly what one is buying here for $40) has been "Shared with the Magic Community" in two books, multiple download lectures and a DVD set. To claim otherwise makes no sense. The marketing refers to this as a "Groundbreaking Project". My love/respect for Vino Aces, notwithstanding, that seems a real stretch; more of a justification for selling "Old wine in New Bottles" packaged/bundled with some session type add-ons (new, not so exciting vanishes, tabled version of routine) and a somewhat unattractive, non gaffed "vegan" wallet. |
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Morganjj Regular user 168 Posts |
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On Jan 21, 2022, pegasus wrote: If that is true (and I don't think the small vocal contingent is truly representative) then those people are clearly the perfect customers. Keen for the latest and greatest, buy a lot of stuff, don't mind duplication of function or effect. Dream customers. |
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