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clui New user 66 Posts |
I have been reading about them around here, but I have absolutely no idea what they are. Would you guys mind telling me and if you do not want to reveal any secrets just PM me.
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secondbaseman Loyal user Amsterdam 225 Posts |
gaffs are gimmicked cards, coins, etc, etc...
Niels |
clui New user 66 Posts |
Oic. so gaffs are just a general term to say gimmicks. Thanks for the tip.
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Donnay New user N. Ireland 49 Posts |
i am here to offer my humble apologies for my last post here it read as rude and i did not mean for it to come across that way. But i think you should perhaps get a few more books, this will help you no matter how inexperienced or experienced you are. so again i am sorry.
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John Clarkson Special user Santa Barbara, CA 749 Posts |
Some people distinguish between a gaff and a gimmick, but most, I think use the terms interchangeably. And, as I write this, I realize, I've forgotten the subtle distinction! I think it goes like this:
A gaff is an object that has been modified or rigged to help in your deception. It is usually visible. A gimmick, on the other hand, is a gizmo or bit of business that helps the deception but remains unseen. I believe that's the distinction some people make. I've read a lot of books and have been around a long time, but the niceties of the distinction have long faded from my memory. So, yes, you are safe to assume that most people mean the same thing when they use either word.
John D. Clarkson, S.O.B. (Sacred Omphaloskeptic Brotherhood)
Cozener "There is nothing more important to a magician than keeping secrets. Probably because so many of them are Gay." —Peggy, from King of the Hill (Sleight of Hank) |
Lord Anacho Regular user Kessel-Lo, Belgium 157 Posts |
As I understood it a gaff is a more generic term.
A thingie that can be seen and is innocent is a prop. A thingie that can be seen, but is not innocent is a fake. A thingie that can not be seen, is a gimmick That's how I learned it long ago Ciao for now Erik
"The secret impresses no one. The trick you use it for is everything" (Alfred Borden in The Prestige)
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Bob Sanders Grammar Supervisor Magic Valley Ranch, Clanton, Alabama 20504 Posts |
From a half century of show biz, my schooling on this taught me that a "gaff" by definition has a handle, hook, loop, etc. that allows holding, reaching, moving (repositioning), etc. something. Originally it required the efforts of another who may not be seen as part of the act like a sound or lighting "gaffer". Common use changes things.
A gimmick, need not have an identified "handle". Example: Diamond cut silks are gimmicks. Square silks are props. However, a Dancing Hank could be "gaffed". Bob Sanders Magic By Sander |
Stanyon Inner circle Landrum, S.C. by way of Chicago 3433 Posts |
However if your gimmick is gaffed better to not make a gaffe or you will have goofed!
FWIW Cheers!
Stanyon
aka Steve Taylor "Every move a move!" "If you've enjoyed my performance half as much as I've enjoyed performing for you, then you've enjoyed it twice as much as me!" |
fxdude Loyal user Hollywood 241 Posts |
I always wondered why they called them gaffs or gaffed. If you look it up in the dictionary it doesn't say anything about how magicians use the term.
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