In addition to a standard size Morrissey (sp?) Combo Set (aluminum?), we also have a heavy brass Mendoza Combo from the Jake era of RNT and the smaller Okorto set from Ireland's/Magic Inc. I like the Okorto set the best. Final loads are easier...

A sidelight to the Mendoza saga concerning his excellent routining of this "new" application, at the time the concept was new: As I recall there was commentary in the community that although his routine (1st) for the Combo Cups was very good, the same effects could be achieved with skilled sleight of hand (not requiring the Combo feature).

The story went on to explain that John developed his second routine so it was "a must have" you needed the Combo feature to be able to perform the latest routine.

Any old timers out there remember if the above is accurate?

Julie

For newcomers to Cups and Balls, The Vernon Cups and Balls from The Vernon Book of Magic or Stars of Magic and other sources is is good for learning most of the basics.

The OP is looking for information specific to a Combo Set he has just purchased...

Julie

Oops! I've just been notified that the Jake RNT Mendoza Combo set is copper. My bad

J

I am thinking that John did not think in terms of must have so to speak but created routines he enjoyed and could accomplish with a combo set.

He did tell me that he tried all kinds of cups with and without a chop over the years and had opinions for each one he tried. Size and a correct chop were things he cared about. One cup could be too large for his taste and a chop may not work as he felt it should to suit him.

He did seem to think that the ones he liked would be good for others as well. In essence, good size property working cups and chops are a suitable standard for all and not just him if you know what I mean.

The point is, you "must have" a Combo Set in order to perform the routine as outlined in his second set of instructions. He was consciously developing a routine that could not be duplicated with an ungimmicked set of cups. I believe the Combo Set came first and the routine came second (to help sell the Combo Set).

I remember discussing this with him, but it's been too long ago for me to remember details.

This is a similar situation to the trick called Lippenkito (Okito Box + Lippincott Box). The originators developed the apparatus and John worked on the handling (VHS tape instructions).

Julie

Oh, I now understand what you mean Julie

For me, a combo set is the way to go since you can use it as a straight set or a combo set as needed. Also, you can use the chop cup by itself! So, way more versatile and a better investment at least IMO.

I would love to watch the instructions for Lippenkito which I am not familiar with.

The Lippenkito was the brainchild of Douglas-Wayne Engineering. The apparatus consisted of a uniquely constructed Lippincott-type box and a scaled down (one coin capacity) Okito Box. The effect was a marked coin was placed into the Okito Box and the Okito Box then placed into the Lippincott-type box. Performers hands shown unmistakably empty, but when the Okito Box is removed from the Lippincott-type box, its lid is removed and the coin is GONE.

We've long since divested our inventory of this item. However, a few years ago I believe it was the Wayne member of Douglas-Wayne Engineering who was selling individual pieces of this modified designed Lippincott Box on e-bay. Luckily, we snatched up a couple of those.

Julie

I find that very interesting! I somehow missed the boat on that one.

Thank you for the information Julie. Much appreciated!

U R Welcome! Earlier I checked the Lippinkito Box for details: the gafus (as Duke used to say ) is the BOTTOM of the very attractive wooden box. This pivoting panel has the ability to be locked into place enabling ALL the props to be thoroughly examined (no magnetic closure). There is no provision for a padlock, just a simple metal hasp.

It is very reminiscent of the old-time wooden coin boxes as pertains to the bottom panel. The difference is the old ones did not have the locking feature. Unlike a standard Lippincott Box, the sides on these are not gimmicked at all.

Julie

I agree!
Michael Ammar's DVD set is the best.
However, Dai Vernon's routine is my favourite.

Michael Ammar’s set is very good, Daryl's set is also very good, with both sets you would pretty much have the subject covered as far as technique.

Michael Ammar’s set is very good, Daryl's set is also very good, with both sets you would pretty much have the subject covered as far as technique. I do certanly agree.
I have both and they are wonderful but I think Daryl's set is a little bit easier to understand as a beginner and then go into Michael Ammar's video's.