|
|
Go to page [Previous] 1~2~3 [Next] | ||||||||||
Julie Inner circle 3936 Posts |
[quote]On Aug 13, 2016, Michael Baker wrote:
...Now, to go away from that a minute... I understand that budgets are a concern. So, here is one option... The JTL Die Box (made by MAK Magic). It is a Plain Jane prop... no extras. But, it is a very well made prop. I don't know if these are still being made, but I do see them for sale on occasion. The price is within the range stated in the OP. I believe this is the same box that Gene Anderson uses for his Mother Hubbard routine... ___________________________________________________________________________________ For the record: I believe the JTL Die Box is MAK's borrowing of a design originated by Percy Abbott back in the 1940's. I agree Gene Anderson's handling is masterful. Julie |
|||||||||
Michael Baker Eternal Order Near a river in the Midwest 11172 Posts |
Quote:
On Aug 13, 2016, Julie wrote: You've peaked my curiosity, Julie. JTL, is generally attributed to Jack Leick. Rumors abound that Mr. Abbott was known to pinch and idea or two, so the reverse would not surprise me.
~michael baker
The Magic Company |
|||||||||
Julie Inner circle 3936 Posts |
Hello Michael
You may be right... This version of Abbott's Die Box is succinctly described in the old catalogs simply as "Abbott's Die Box". What time period did Jack Leick begin producing his model? Curious Julie |
|||||||||
Michael Baker Eternal Order Near a river in the Midwest 11172 Posts |
Hi Julie,
Time period... no idea. Abbott's Die Box is a different animal than JTL Die Box. Abbott's Die Box differs from a typical Die Box in several ways. I can't say too much more without exposing method. The way that a JTL Die Box differs from a typical Die Box is that there are no "lips" surrounding the compartments that are typically there to hide "things". The gimmick is practically a piston fit, and this renders it virtually invisible, even at close range. Because there is no lip, the gimmick can be flipped 180 degrees forward or back. As you already understand the typical DB gimmick, you can visualize what happens here. This lets you place the "die" in the box with the front facing the audience. It can be plainly seen in the box. It can later be secretly flipped to the typical configuration with almost no effort.
~michael baker
The Magic Company |
|||||||||
Julie Inner circle 3936 Posts |
Yes, Michael, I am aware of the difference that allows the "flipping" as shown on the Die Box Video. (Which is genius!)
The original Abbott design does have "lips" on the sides making the flipping action impossible. Having said that, I still maintain for the historical record here on the Café that the basic design/principle of Abbott's original box and sh--- is the source for the JTL/Anderson handling of the Die Box apparatus. Julie |
|||||||||
Michael Baker Eternal Order Near a river in the Midwest 11172 Posts |
So, are you talking about the design of 2 doors front, 2 doors top? I don't know the origin of this style. I know the "English" style (2 doors front, 2 doors back) precedes this. There is also a reference in Ponsin on Conjuring of a Die Box that has only 2 doors front. The clunk is caused by a movable compartment that contains the gimmick.
~michael baker
The Magic Company |
|||||||||
Julie Inner circle 3936 Posts |
I think we are having a miscommunication here. The "clunk" is NOT produced by a moveable compartment that contains the gimmick and the original Abbott also had/has the standard (non-English) two doors on the front and two doors on the top.
Julie |
|||||||||
Michael Baker Eternal Order Near a river in the Midwest 11172 Posts |
I'm pretty sure we are dancing around the same pole.
For clarity... my reference to the moving compartment was to document a very much older type of Die Box. Sorry for the confusion. Abbott's catalog #20 (the oldest one I have in front of me at the moment) shows 3 Die Boxes that fit the description of 2 doors front, 2 doors top. 1) Abbott's Latest Standard Die Box - This seems to be a plain, no frills Die Box, with all the usual features (sliding weight, 4-sided s****, 3" black die). I am assuming this has a center divider. 2) Deluxe Die Box - All of the above features, plus a double door feature. Red 3" die. 3) Abbott's Die Box - 3" red die. No sliding weight in base, die (gimmick) slides to create sound. No center divider. This allows for the die to be seen in the "other" side, not straight from the front. These have a 3-sided s****.
~michael baker
The Magic Company |
|||||||||
Julie Inner circle 3936 Posts |
Peace, Michael. I agree we have arrived at the end of the dance.
Have you considered offering a Gene Anderson type Die Box (with his blessing, of course)? Julie |
|||||||||
Michael Baker Eternal Order Near a river in the Midwest 11172 Posts |
I've done a lot of different Die Boxes and have several in the project queue now (among many other things in my tiny workshop). One of me vs many magicians. Hahaha!!!
~michael baker
The Magic Company |
|||||||||
Dick Oslund Inner circle 8357 Posts |
I think the ancient die box has had more "improvements" and "variations" than any other prop!
Abbott's made a "clock" box,years ago. (I think during the "Thornton" era.) I think they also made a "cigarette pack box", and a "coin box". (Possibly a "billiard ball box", too. --and IIRC, a PIZZA box was made by "somebody". I bought a die box from Mitchell Kanter, in the mid '40s. It looked nice, but, the hinges were attached with 'gimp' tacks! I had a craftsman reinstall them with screws. Jay Marshall, used the basic Kanter box, but eliminated the "knobs" to open the front doors. He also eliminated the "cross bar", at the top of the front doors. His routine was published in MUM about 30 years ago. I used his routine with a Davenport Die Box about 35 years ago on a tour for North Dakota State University. I could do it that ONE SEASON, 'cuz I was following myself. I never used it again, 'cuz I never knew whether a local magician had used it.
SNEAKY, UNDERHANDED, DEVIOUS,& SURREPTITIOUS ITINERANT MOUNTEBANK
|
|||||||||
Michael Baker Eternal Order Near a river in the Midwest 11172 Posts |
Quote:
On Aug 15, 2016, Dick Oslund wrote: My Raisin Box is an idea from my mentor, and based on the cigarette die box. Thayer (and Owen) made a billiard ball box. I have as well, but with completely different mechanics. True that there are probably more variations on this prop than any other in magic. I've seen some really clever ideas, too. Anyone interested should get the DVD on Die Boxes to see just a small portion of them. It's a classic effect that I think will go on forever.
~michael baker
The Magic Company |
|||||||||
Christian Wilde New user 90 Posts |
I really wanted a die when I started performing magic. But I was a bit put off by the prices. So I build one myself. It is certainly not an easy project but it is doable. I know the magic nook has a couple of different articles on how to make a die box, so that is also a way to go 😊
|
|||||||||
Michael Baker Eternal Order Near a river in the Midwest 11172 Posts |
Quote:
On Aug 15, 2016, Christian Wilde wrote: If you can get a copy of Science and Mechanics Magic Handbook, there are complete and very comprehensive building plans for a Die Box. The book was from the early 1960s, but copies are out there if you hunt for them.
~michael baker
The Magic Company |
|||||||||
Julie Inner circle 3936 Posts |
Mel Babcock's book (available through his site) includes his precise detailed plans for building his widely acclaimed Die Box.
Julie |
|||||||||
Dick Oslund Inner circle 8357 Posts |
Quote:
On Aug 15, 2016, Christian Wilde wrote: Yup!! Ny FIRST MAGIC BOOK ("THE MAGIC SHOW BOOK' BY ALEXANDER THE MAGICIAN, showed how to make a die box from cardboard!!!
SNEAKY, UNDERHANDED, DEVIOUS,& SURREPTITIOUS ITINERANT MOUNTEBANK
|
|||||||||
Julie Inner circle 3936 Posts |
D. Robbins (N.Y.) used to sell a yellow cardboard Die Box with a rabbit motif for the princely sum of $1. I remember you were required to tape a metal washer inside the block so it would have enough weight to be able to remain in the hat when the sh--- was removed. Sad to say, mine arrived in the mail all beat up because the box was just wrapped in brown paper and sent through the postal system.
Julie |
|||||||||
disneywld Special user Denver, CO 614 Posts |
I own over 100 die boxes, but the one I have used for over 25+ years in my show is Abbott's Deluxe Die Box. It has an additional fake that allows me to "Accidentally" show that the die is still in the box. The kids roar! Because this is part of my regular kids show, I bought 3 of them - 2 being backups. I never had to unbox them as the first prop still works great, even after 14,000+ shows. (Yes, that is a true statement.) All I have done was touch up some of the painted bits. I love the loud and very believable sound of the die sliding back and forth.
The Magic of Christopher Manos
www.christophermanos.com |
|||||||||
longdeademperor New user 69 Posts |
Has anyone ever seen or experienced this version of the die box, 'The Die-Vided Box' by Kovari?
http://kovarimagic.com/newitems.html It looks like an interesting variation. I cannot find a demonstration of it though. |
|||||||||
Julie Inner circle 3936 Posts |
Hi guys. Please refer back to Michael's picture of his Raisin Box. It's a beauty based upon the old Cigarette Box, as he stated.
I was just looking at our old Cigarette Box and was reminded that it has a double door feature. I imagine this one was made by Abbott's, but I don't recall Abbott's having the double door...? Do you think they dropped the double door in an effort to streamline production and reduce costs in the 1960's or were there two different models available at some point in time? Julie |
|||||||||
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » The little darlings » » Trying to pick a die box--ugh (13 Likes) | ||||||||||
Go to page [Previous] 1~2~3 [Next] |
[ 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 < |