|
|
CaMagic51 New user 77 Posts |
Can anyone post a review of this trick? It looks good, but I would like to read an opinion or two before committing to it.
|
CaMagic51 New user 77 Posts |
|
Harry Murphy Inner circle Maryland 5444 Posts |
It does exactly what you see in the links. Basically a washer links onto a knotted loop of lace.
The props that are presently sent are similar to the ones seen in the first link. You get an aluminum washer that has been stamped with lines to make it look mystical, a small leather pouch to keep the washer/charm in, and you get the cord that the washer will link onto. There is also a gaffus that makes it all work as advertised.Finally you get access to a download or streaming video that gives you the basic handling. It is very, very basic. All you need to get you started and do the simple routine as seen on the YouTube video's. Note in a couple of the YouTube videos the washer has a smaller hole and no markings. I think that was his first version. Now the washer has a fairly large hole and the 'mystic" markings. The routine is almost self-working. The props do most of the work you will be taught the one thing (move?) you will need to know (if you don't already know it). It is not generally examinable by the spectator. With a little imagination and playing with the props you will develop a longer routine. The Washer/charm is un-gimmicked albeit has a necessary quality required to make it work with the gaffus. This is pretty much "what you see is what you get and what you see is what it does". The question to you is, can you see yourself doing this very short routine? Reset time is minimal. Untie the knot, put the washer back into the pouch and the cord in a pocket and you are reset. If you are a table hopper it could be reset as you move from table to table. In summary: the advertising is accurate, the props well made and fairly durable (pouch might wear out over time and the gaffus might come apart with hard use over time), the routine is exactly what you see. The teaching video is a download or streaming (I HATE this trend) and is adequate to the teaching task for the routine). There are any number of ring or coin with hole on cord routines out there that require nothing more than a borrowed ring and a ribbon, string, or cord and are both magical and entertaining. The only advantage to Leather and Steel is that it is a very clean looking impossible penetration. Another of Al's presentations with the old style of prop: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Pku3gH0M1s
The artist formally known as Mumblepeas!
|
CaMagic51 New user 77 Posts |
Thank you. What a thorough review! Because of a physical handicap that I have, ease of handling is important. (I share your dislike of streaming downloads for instructions, but we have to make do with what we are given, I suppose.) The reason I requested a review is that many tricks are "knacky", and their sellers keep video-ing until they get a video that is perfect and that video is, of course, the one they publish. I want a trick that is not too physically hard to learn and perform, not knacky, and, once learned, will work and look perfectly everytime. It sounds like this meets the bill? I have never heard of Al Bach. Are his other tricks equally good (if you know of them)? If so, I might purchase several. Thanks again!
|
Harry Murphy Inner circle Maryland 5444 Posts |
I wouldn't say that this is a knacky item. You have to be able to tie a knot. Otherwise it is pretty much self-working. It is easier than, say, riffle shuffling a deck of cards.
I've added a short phase to the routine to make it a bit longer and to make the second phase (Al's original version) seem that much more impossible/magical. I simply do the penetration without tying the cord into a loop first. That is, I hold the cord in one hand letting a small loop of cord hand down from my hand and the ends of the loop over the back of the hand. It looks for all the world (and to knowledgeable Ring on String practioners) as if I am going to perform a standard ring on string. I perform the link, show the washer hanging on the cord and then openly slide the washer off one end of the cord and hand the washer to the spectator as I tie the cord into a loop as per Al's routine. At this point I perform Al's penetration. I don't have any of Al'Bach's other effects. I suspect thay are all pretty much like this one. That is they are pretty much close to self working. Based on my experience with this little set of props and routine, my guess is that all of his items are what you see is what you get. BUT, as I mentioned, I don't have any other of his items so I really don't know. If you get any of his other effects post on a review and let us know.
The artist formally known as Mumblepeas!
|
jugagien Regular user 108 Posts |
So is it something a beginner can do?
Is there sleight of hand required for the trick? and just to clarify, the props do most of the work, but there's no gimmick involved? Thanks! |
Harry Murphy Inner circle Maryland 5444 Posts |
Jugagien, yes it is something a beginner can do. Hopefully the beginner works on the presentation and has a followup trick to pull attention away from the props.
There is no slight of hand per se, however you do have to be able to tie a knot, you do have to be able to slide a washer onto and off of a string. I believe if you can accomplish those tasks then you can execute this little trick. Gimmick?? There is something not examinable involved. One would say that the prop is gaffed. Without telling you Mr. Bach's secret that's about all that can be said. Most knowledgeable "Ring-on-String" performers can perform several effects/tricks given the basic props without the gaff. the basic illusion of putting a washer/ring on a knotted string can be done using any one of several well known and published techniques. NONE can be done as cleanly.
The artist formally known as Mumblepeas!
|
gfcal Regular user 118 Posts |
Is it possible to use the string for a finger ring on string routine to keep it in play?
|
Harry Murphy Inner circle Maryland 5444 Posts |
One could use the string for other ring on string effects.
The artist formally known as Mumblepeas!
|
gfcal Regular user 118 Posts |
Thanks Harry. I think that just pushed me over the edge to give this a shot.
|
John C Eternal Order I THINK therefore I wrote 12938 Posts |
I bought it. haven't received it yet.
|
John C Eternal Order I THINK therefore I wrote 12938 Posts |
Yes you can perform just like the vid.
It will take some practice only to get the handling down and not make a mistake. Meaning you need to understand the props or you could blow it. j |
John C Eternal Order I THINK therefore I wrote 12938 Posts |
There is one thing about this effect. It can blow up in your face and I haven't found a way to prevent it. Sometimes it works really well but sometimes the whole thing can become exposed. I like it, the effect that is.
I am trying different ways to guarantee success but I haven't found the perfect set of circumstances in holding it or positioning or the speed with which I enact it. Anyone else experience this? |
1KJ Inner circle Warning: We will run out of new tricks in 4385 Posts |
John,
I love this effect. I perform it a lot. I have my own routine that I perform with is. Send me a PM and I'll send you my routine. It is fool proof, works every time, and is one of the most powerful things I do. KJ |
1KJ Inner circle Warning: We will run out of new tricks in 4385 Posts |
Those of you who PMd me about the routine, I hope you enjoy it.
Cheers, KJ |
TeddyB New user 1 Post |
Just picked up this trick and like it very much. Clearly some practice and care needed! But...terrific impact!
|
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Tricks & Effects » » Al Bach's Leather and Steel (1 Likes) |
[ Top of Page ] |
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2024 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.03 seconds requiring 5 database queries. |
The views and comments expressed on The Magic Café are not necessarily those of The Magic Café, Steve Brooks, or Steve Brooks Magic. > Privacy Statement < |