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Acecardician Inner circle New Orleans 1390 Posts |
Zanadu, Zanadu...with 3 different sets, I am not happy with any of them.
That is the main reason I started buying sticks, to find a set that worked well. One set of Zanadu does not have the swivel on the weight, but a screw eye that is part open, and the string comes off! The other, the strings were too thick and would not work, the other, the little swivel on the weight broke...too many problems. That is probably why they discontinued them. I don't know about the plastic tubing, but the string I use is some "bead" cord. I get it from a hobby shop that sells it for making beaded necklaces. Might be time to buy a new set, but a different brand. For Bamboo sticks, the Empire ones are inexpensive, but they need to be re-strung, and I make new tassels out of yarn. I also hate the red plastic caps on the end. So get some corks to replace them. And throw the red caps away. What I like about the Empire ones is that they have a square hard plastic tube inside the middle with a square weight that will not turn(verses round)and a heavy enough weight to slide smoothly. Once they are re-done, they are great to work with. In summary, the insides of the Empire sticks are very good, but the outside accessories need to be redone. Before: http://i474.photobucket.com/albums/rr110......fore.jpg After: http://i474.photobucket.com/albums/rr110......fter.jpg ACE (the Stickman dance!)
My Chinese Stick Collection: https://app.photobucket.com/u/ChineseSticks?sort=6
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dlcmagic Special user 887 Posts |
Thank you Ace. I've never had trouble with the weights breaking, just slowing down. The tubes inside were the reason. I've tried the Empire set. They work well but you're right, the red caps are cheap looking. They also have small screws that hold the red caps on. I suppose you could put wood filler in the holes from the screws and then put corks in the end like you did. The square tube and weight was a good idea.
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Acecardician Inner circle New Orleans 1390 Posts |
Empire Sticks:
I did not bother with the little screw holes. Although I've never used them in a show, I think they would go unnoticed. You have the choice to put the holes on the bottom or top when you re-string them. By chance, I have one stick with that little hole on top and one with it on the underside. But you do have to break or cut part of the white inside tube down to fit a cork into it. My expensive Owen sticks have no tube inside them, just wood. When I got them new from Owen, they were sluggish, and Owen has a terrible guarantee, and terrible customer service. I used a file to smooth the insides down, and then some Silicone spray, and now they work almost too fast. I'm real happy with my improvement and they work better than new. Now they are one of my favorite sets. I'm not sure if this can be done with the Zanadu sticks. The weight is almost too small. If you used a real thin string, they might work better. They did have different sizes(thickness) of the bead string. The stuff I have is Griffin Silk Bead Cord and comes in a few different colors. It even has a wire needle pre-threaded on it. Also look at various fishing line to find some that might work. A friend send me some Nylon Casting line, (15 LB.) and that works well also. ACE
My Chinese Stick Collection: https://app.photobucket.com/u/ChineseSticks?sort=6
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Wizard of Oz Inner circle Most people wish I didn't have 5150 Posts |
Awesome collection Ace. I'm jealous.
I have about a dozen sets, and my favorite are the Precision sticks. Well made, pretty, smooth, heavy, and they just look rich. I don't think you can get them anymore, which is a shame. I think they are right up there with any of the classics.
Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain.
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Acecardician Inner circle New Orleans 1390 Posts |
I really agree on the Precision Sticks. I love them. They are like Rolls Royces.
Since you can't get them anymore, then I recomend General Grant Chinese Sticks. They are very well made sticks. And his guarantee is the best in the world of magic! ACE Posted: Oct 29, 2009 2:53am I got these today: Chinese Sticks crafted by George Millward, 3 set for Benson Routine, made in the same size and with the long tassels. Hi Quality, beautiful, and great, Scroll to the next picture and see the decorated set! http://www.nnmagic.com/magicitems/stagem......#chinese That is at Norm Neilson Magic. ACE
My Chinese Stick Collection: https://app.photobucket.com/u/ChineseSticks?sort=6
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Joe Mauro Inner circle 1133 Posts |
I don't have these, but Ms. Rain has a solid reputation in the community as a performer and creator.
TNT Chinese Sticks by Randi Rain http://store.randirain.com/ These are the classic Chinese Sticks that are dynamite. You have two sticks, one with a short fuse and one with a long fuse. You pull the short out to long, and the long goes short. You do it again and again. Comes with a comedy routine with an explosive finale.
~Joe
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