does anyone uses collapsible top hats, I would like to have advices on it before getting one ??
Any tips or infos?

I got one off of ebay a few months ago, and I use it in my kids shows to do a magical silk production followed by a surprise production of Rocky Raccoon. While it's outdated now, I think kids still equate a tophat with a magician, so I like that it instantly identifies me as the magician when going to do magic at a hospital, a fair, or somewhere else. I don't use it for my adult shows, my character is more modernized. If a tophat fits with your character, don't be afraid to use it! I got a vintage silk collapsible, and it is really nice, but they're more expensive than the new ones that aren't silk. It depends on how you want it to look. If you have any other questions, PM me. -Jeff

If its not rude how much did you pay for it?...Tom

Collapsible top hats, new or used, are not cheap. A good one will run $100 to $200 or more.
Yes, you can get them for less -- but you get what you pay for!
Storage tip: Store it in the open position, to ease strain on the spring mechanism. And to keep the silk from creasing and eventually tearing.
And, if you are planning on wearing it, remember that a top hat does NOT go with a tux; only -- repeat ONLY -- with white tie and tails.

A terrific source for great silk tophats is http://www.tophats4magic.com.

It is based in Vancouver, Canada so for you U.S. folks it is in $Cdn. It is run by one of the nicest guys you will ever meet named Perry.

He, I believe, is the largest supplier of vintage top hats in the world. He has hats in all price ranges and often has specials listed on his site...or you just tell him your price range.

I picked up a beauty for $70 U.S.

Mitch

I just got a GREAT one for $40 AUS ($25US)!

Hey Nick, where did you get yours?

Thanks
-Vinnie

I got a victorian top hat (not collapsible) for Christmas. I always wanted one and my grand children expect me to produce a rabbit. Now I'm experimenting with various productions methds. My plan is to use the hat throughout my show and save the rabbit for the end. I have been able to find varous methids of loading it and with a little creativity I think that I can dazzle the audience. I think that the hat was only about $80. It was a gift.

Louisemond;

I like the Avatar; You look great in the top hat; where is the white tie and tails? LOL

My silk Top Hat I bought way back in the 1960's, it is still like new, I had to re-stitch a little, but looks great. I then purchased the Nielsen Top Hat Table base, and had to cut a hole in the crown.

Good Top Hats come in real sizes for the head, and are very expensive. If you only want a top hat to set on your table as a catch all or container for props, then the new cheap collapsible Top Hat that sells for $30 to $40 is a good choice. They look nice, the brim is straight, as a real one will have a curve to it.

The top hat has been a symbol in magic for decades, why change now, as most can relate to this symbol. I believe before that the Derby was used a lot in magic by such people as T. Nelson Downs.

Now we don't wear hats much, why I don't know, but the baseball cap is popular, but not very magic friendly for uses. In the end, I think it looks better on a table then cardboard or plastic box. It is all a matter of choice. Try one on, if you look good in it, buy it and put it on you magic table. I am sure you will come up with a number of uses for this symbol of the magic art.

Of course I am referring to a show table, I have never found a use in close-up magic for a top hat. Maybe someone will just that.

Top Hats are so yesterday. With world class magicians like Criss Angel upping the ante, we have to change with the times.

I use a chamber pot attached to the Nielsen table base.

Nothing says, "Magician" like a chamber pot!

"Now watch this chamber pot as I pull out a...ew (Wrong chamber pot)."

-Philip

I've got a couple of non-collapsible hats (Like the one in Louisemond's avatar) and a collapsible opera hat. The opera hat allows you to produce something instantly, as you can load silks in it, collapse it and hide the silks, get an "ooo" when you pop it open and then immediately pull out the silks. I recommend having one. Audiences love 'em for so many reasons. As wmhegbli says, nothing says magician like a top hat; and since they are so rare out in the real world, it makes it clear you're not messin' around.

-Philip

Bill and Servante ,you guys crack me up.
I nearly spat my cup of tea over my screen. lol

I booked a magic show, and when I arrived at the venue wearing a business suit that cost $400, the guy said, I booked a magician, why aren't you wearing formal tails like a real magician. I explained I was modern magician. The guy was going to cancel the show, right there on the spot. He paused, and then said I could go on.

People do have a mental image of what a magician is and how they should look. It could cost you a booking to not make the client happy.