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The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » New to magic? » » Impromptu Close Up Magic Video/Books (0 Likes) Printer Friendly Version

lawrenceng
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Calgary
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Hi all,
I am just starting out on impromptu close up magic, and have been searching the threads for advice on which resources to get for beginners. So far the list stands at:
*Martin Gardner's Encyclopedia of Impromptu Magic
*Dan Harlan's Ultimate Impromptu Magic Videos
*Tom Mullica's Expert Impromptu Magic Videos
*Greory Wilson's On the Spot Videos

Can someone provide a comparison between these resources? Or suggest others?

Smile Thanks y'all.

lawrenceng
thanks y'all
lawrenceng
Harry Murphy
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Inner circle
Maryland
5475 Posts

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Gardner’s “Encyclopedia” is just that! It is a large format book that has literally hundreds of impromptu tricks and stunts. For people who learn best from the printed page this is a must have. Beginner to moderate technical skill.

Dan Harlan’s three volume video set of impromptu magic contains more impromptu magic than you will ever use. I consider it a fundamental building block for magicians.
The tapes are clear and the instruction good. Beginner to moderate technical skill.

Gregory Wilson’s “On the Spot” tape is good stuff. The selection is fairly limited (but all very strong stuff). Some of the “moves” are not taught well and you will have to purchase a separate training tape or two (an example of this is the Sylvester Pitch which you will see but not learn from Greg’s tape). Intermediate to advanced technical skill.

I cannot speak to Tom Mullica’s tapes. I have never seen them nor do I know anyone who has, but I know Tom’s work to be top drawer and suspect that the tapes are very good.

Personally I would buy the Harlan tapes first. There is just so much there. Probably, they would be my only purchase in impromptu magic. (OK, I started with the Gardner book in real life, but videotapes were not invented yet!!!).

Hope this helps.
The artist formally known as Mumblepeas!
phranQ
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Denmark
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I agree with mumblepeas that "On the Spot" is very good stuff. You should certanly consider buying those tapes.

Personally, I found the descriptions of the moves to be adequate -- if you put a little thought into it, you should experience no problems learning the routines.

Smile
lawrenceng
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Calgary
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Thank you mumblepeas and phranQ. Your words hold much sway over where my coins will roll (more likely bills will fly). What about the book "Simply Harkey"? I am most interested in his pencil through dollar bill routine, allegedly the best non gimmicked effect.

sincerely,
lawrenceng Smile
thanks y'all
lawrenceng
Socrates
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Hi lawrenceng,

I'd recommend the 'Magic Book' by Harry Lorayne as a good all round introduction to impromptu close-up magic. It's a great book for beginners and it's also well written and easy to understand.

The Greg Wilson video 'On the Spot' is good too, as is the 'Encyclopedia of Impromptu magic' by Martin Gardner.

Good luck in your pursuit of this amazing art form.

Socrates.

'To be satisfied with a little, is the greatest wisdom; and he that increaseth his riches, increaseth his cares; but a contented mind is a hidden treasure, and trouble findeth it not' - Akhenaton. Smile
Alan Jackson
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Cardiff, UK
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I agree with the recommendation of Harry Lorayne's "The Magic Book". Unobtainable for a number of years, but now back in print. Get it while you can. He teaches a few important sleights in great detail.
There are 10 kinds of people: those who understand binary numbers, and those who don't.
lawrenceng
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Calgary
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I already have Mark Wilson's Encyclopedia of Magic, would Harry Lorayne's The Magic Book add much to it?
:righton:
thanks y'all
lawrenceng
Socrates
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To put it in a nutshell, Yes it would.

Harry Lorayne's writing is superb and there are some great concepts and philosophies about perorming close-up/impromptu magic hidden within the pages of this book.

All in all this would be a great addition to your magic library.

Take it easy

Socrates

'Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect' - Mark Twain Smile
nappa
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new york
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The ellusionist videos are pretty good for beginners they helped me alot.
eric_e
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The On the Spot videos are terrific, and I have to hope that if the rumored updated version of Gardner's Encyclopedia happens that Wilson will be a major contributor to it. The combination of Gardner's original and the later work of people like Wilson could create a wonderfully useful synthesis.
dluong
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Or maybe gregory wilson's off the cuff video which is now and dvd also
Fayaad Manie
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Check out Bill Malone on the Loose series. There are tons of routines in there that are impromptu and extremely effective.
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