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Harry Murphy Inner circle Maryland 5445 Posts |
I've never used thread in a real performance (that is other than playing in the privacy of my own home). Oh I've tried some different versions that used thread and even bought a large spool of European basting thread when I was in London (on the advice of Al Cohen) back in the 70’s. I even bought the Camirand Academy’s Black light thread only to discover that white yarn shows as well or better under a UV light. I did play with Wong’s “Dragon Thread” routine for a while in close-up and table hopping (uses multi-strand embroidery thread). I liked it in general but it fell to the wayside in favor of tricks that seemed to get me more mileage (torn and restored signed dollar bill or torn and restored napkins for example). I doubt if I actually performed it more than a couple of dozen times.
In actual stand-up performances I’ve always used wool yarn (four strands). Basically it is simply more visible and looks more impossible. I learned the Billy McComb version in the early 70’s when he was doing a lecture tour. I used his handling for a decade. Heck I even made a gizmo similar to his to wind the yarn. A couple of years later (still early 70’s) I was in Amsterdam and ran into Jim Cellini who was working the streets and had taken the McComb version and made it even more dramatic by using several feet of yarn and breaking it into 8 to 12 inch pieces to restore. He would involve several members of his audience to help him stretch the restored length of yarn. I think he explains his handling on one of his videos. I never tried Jim’s version. Some time in the mid 80’s I was at a Bev Bergeron lecture where he did a version also using yarn. His set up and handling was simpler than Billy’s. I immediately changed to his set up and that is pretty much what I do today. They all used and recommended wool yarn. They all said to never use a synthetic yarn as it is very difficult to break. I followed their advice.
The artist formally known as Mumblepeas!
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motown Inner circle Atlanta by way of Detroit 6136 Posts |
Towards the end of this video (about seven minutes in) Luca Bono performs Gypsy Thread.
His handling looks nice. http://www.lucabono.com/media.html?m=1
"If you ever write anything about me after I'm gone, I will come back and haunt you."
– Karl Germain |
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Harry Murphy Inner circle Maryland 5445 Posts |
Very nice! I enjoyed each of his video's. His handling is basically Billy McComb's using thread.
The artist formally known as Mumblepeas!
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Bill Hegbli Eternal Order Fort Wayne, Indiana 22797 Posts |
I have collected some 6 different handling for the preperation and working for this classic piece of magic. They all turn out to be the same preparation and handling. Go figure!
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Harry Murphy Inner circle Maryland 5445 Posts |
Like you Bill, I have accumulated several versions over the decades (I think I can account for about 8 or 10 versions). And, as you say, they are all pretty much the same. When you think about it, there is not much you can do in terms of method. Oh there might be a small twist to the method but that’s about it.
The real differences in the method are in how to hide the necessary and how to dispose of what needs to be disposed of. Frankly, it you know one method you pretty much know them all (or can figure it out after one viewing). Yarn, string, thread, dental floss, whatever it is all the same effect. I’d say choose one, work with it until you own it and it fits your performing persona then stick with it.
The artist formally known as Mumblepeas!
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motown Inner circle Atlanta by way of Detroit 6136 Posts |
Richard hatch showed me his method for preparing the thread and it was different from others I've seen. Regardless of which method is used, for me, what makes this routine is the presentation.
Harry, glad you liked Luca's presentation. Craig
"If you ever write anything about me after I'm gone, I will come back and haunt you."
– Karl Germain |
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geoffa New user Nashville, TN 57 Posts |
If you're looking for something just a bit thicker than normal thread, but not as thick as yarn, pick up some Japanese Cotton Basting Thread. You can find it at a few online sewing shops. It has a nice rustic look to it and breaks easily too. You'll need to wrap it on an empty spool yourself but I think it's worth the time.
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Harry Murphy Inner circle Maryland 5445 Posts |
I’ve used Japanese Cotton Basting Thread from time to time. It is easily found (I got a skein from Jo Anne’s). It comes in a number of colors.
See it at: http://www.shiboridragon.com/Notions-Japanese.htm Still, I always go back to cotton yarn. It is no more difficult to perform and by appearing thick makes the illusion appear more impossible.
The artist formally known as Mumblepeas!
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wally Inner circle 1830 Posts |
This maybe in the wrong area, which dvds / video is the best for Gypsy thread teaching. I once saw Gary oullette,
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CdnAndrew New user 80 Posts |
Quote:
On 2012-11-22 03:43, wally wrote: There is a Worlds Greatest Magic DVD regarding the Gypsy Thread which has a few different routines and handlings. It doesn't have Gary Oullette on it, though. |
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PaulGreen Inner circle 1133 Posts |
Hello Everyone!
Tony Clark's Gypsy Balloon is a wonderful variation. His Easy Break String works well for any routine! http://www.tonyclarkmagic.com/magicshop/......t_id=117 Enjoy the Search! Respectfully, Paul Green |
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Ikswonilak New user 58 Posts |
Thanks for the interesting "thread". Bill Abbott is releasing Peter Samelson's version which will be sent with some thread, but I'm not sure yet which kind. This is such a fantastic effect and I for one am having a lot of fun learning its many intricacies.
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Mary Mowder Inner circle Sacramento / Elk Grove, CA 3662 Posts |
I got Tony Clark's Gypsy Balloon DVD and I found the string that came with it VERY hard to break.
I'm not a total weakling and I had 3 Male Magicians try it and they said it was not "easy to break". I'm wondering if all the string in the kits is the same. -Mary Mowder |
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smullins Special user United States 678 Posts |
I like a thicker thread and use one that is bright red. I like it because I darken the "broken" areas to look burned. The way I break the tread is with a candle flame, not by snapping it. Very theatrical. I find the thicker thread makes it seem more impossible when they tug it themselves after I hand it out and give it away.
I've only used it on stage though. |
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Ray Bertrand Inner circle Ottawa, Ontario 1452 Posts |
[quote]On 2012-11-23 16:09, smullins wrote:
I like a thicker thread and use one that is bright red. I like it because I darken the "broken" areas to look burned. The way I break the tread is with a candle flame, not by snapping it. Very theatrical. I find the thicker thread makes it seem more impossible when they tug it themselves after I hand it out and give it away. I've only used it on stage though. [/quot I really like your idea for darkening areas of the thread to appear burnt after using the candle to 'break' the thread in the first place. Ray
Mentalism in Ontario.
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RS1963 Inner circle 2734 Posts |
Quote:
On 2012-11-23 15:24, Mary Mowder wrote: Mary if you try to just break the kite string that is supplied for the Gypsy Balloon as you would basting thread it will be very hard to break. BUT if you give it tug to snap it into it is quite easy to break. It doesn't take much strength to snap the string in two. Try that with it. |
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Doug Follett Loyal user 202 Posts |
There is a video on Tony Clark's page that the link above takes you to where he gives tips on breaking the string. I agree that the string is difficult to break, but those tips did help me.
Doug |
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