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NJJ Inner circle 6437 Posts 
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To me, it is not the quality or style of props and costumes but the intention of them. You can look like almost anything as long as it looks as it is both intended and justified.
For example, if you turn up to a kid's party unshaven, with torn and patched clothing, with a broken shoe and a permanent frown on your face, you'd be a disgrace. But if you attended the same party as a tramp clown then suddenly you are a success. If you have a battered old handbag as a prop you look unprofessional. If you borrow the handbag from a lady in the audience then no one cares that it isn't the nicest prop in the world. Performing with bent playing cards if a sin but in a bent corner monte routine it becomes a vital part of the entertainment. Its all a matter of context. |
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Dave V Inner circle Las Vegas, NV 4824 Posts
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Quote:
On 2005-08-11 19:39, Nicholas J. Johnson wrote: True, and in a valiant attempt to pull this back on topic, in my context a silver chain is appropriate. It matches the rest of my "look." For others a beaded chain or a leather lace is fine. I never intended to say that a beaded chain "cheapens" the act. There are technical reasons why the French Rope simply works better.
No trees were killed in the making of this message, but a large number of electrons were terribly inconvenienced.
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Euangelion Special user 688 Posts
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Amen.
Bill Esborn
"Lutefisk: the piece of cod that passes all understanding." |
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NJJ Inner circle 6437 Posts
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Quote:
On 2005-08-11 19:39, Nicholas J. Johnson wrote: Quote:
On 2005-08-11 20:17, Dave VanVranken wrote: I find that beaded chain tangles easily and is hard to follow. That is, if beaded chain is the style of chain used to connect pens to banks. |
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Whit Haydn V.I.P. 5449 Posts
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The worst problem with the beaded chain or with a necklace of beads (one of the props George Blake started with) is that these do not hold the shape of the figure well. A finger grazing the chain, or a slight bump of the table and the figure will lose its shape.
That is why Fred Lowe's flat-link chain was an improvement. The flat-link had problems of its own. It tended to kink up and not flow right, especially with the drop-off knot. Also, its simple design, like the beaded chain, made it too easy for the eye to follow the lay of the chain. Chef Anton and I first suggested the French Rope design because it's more complicated design makes it hard for the spectator to follow the lay of the chain. It also is superior in its ability to flow and not kink up, and of course, like the flat-link chain, it doesn't roll out of position. We also find that because of the doubled sets of links, the French Rope is sturdier and will take more abuse than the flat-link chain. I suggest that if you use string, rope, flat-link chain, beads, or beaded chain that you go for a slightly longer chain. The loop should be seven feet or more. This gives a larger figure which makes it difficult for the eye to take in the whole figure at once. You have to follow along the chain with the eye from one side to another. This makes it much more difficult to comprehend the layout--something that might be more possible if the whole figure is in the frame of vision at once. |
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saranacbo New user 74 Posts
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This thread is an example of why I like and pay close attention to the Magic Café: It goes all around the mulberry bush, but I learn from it. First, there's the issue of "the right" way to present a trick, or "the right way" to look or act like a magician, or "the right props," and so on. Of course, there is no right way--it's entirely personal and based on our experience (that is, our successes and failures). As for props? With me it's a variable--but I can explain what I have and why, which to me is the important point. For instance, I have a set of P and L rice bowls. They're beautiful to look at and handle, and I think the audience unconsciously appreciates their beauty. I got them years ago for a very good price, and I know they have not lost their value. So in that case, I have a top-of-the-line prop. I also do chink-a-chink and uses bottle caps. It's no accident--the point is it demonstrates "magical powers" with everyday objects. If the prop there was really fancy, it would also be suspicious, as if it itself was doing all the work.
As for fast and loose: I just ordered the S4S chain and book. My reasoning there is I want to learn it well and while I could use shoelaces or light chains, I know S4S's chain will be the best (and thus easiest and most impressive) to work with. Plus it's guaranteed against manufacturing defects. And if worse comes to worst, I'm sure I can sell it--especially since I've seen posts here talking about not being able to find a really good chain. So the issue is really specific to the person and their wants and style (and budget). Similarly, I do the Don Alan chop cup routine--end all my close-up with it. But I won't buy a $125.00 chop cup--mine I got from Al's magic years ago for 15 bucks, as I recall. Not that the Don Alan cup isn't a work of art, but it's just not something that I feel would add anything to my presentation. This type of argument rages about Gazzo's pouch. It costs over $300 and is considered perfect--if you're going to do Gazzo's cup and balls. I don't, and my apron came from the Apron Man (found on Magic Café). It was custom made, is nylon, is perfect for my needs, and cost twenty bucks (including postage, I think). Gazzo's pouch would be a complete waste on me. . . and on my complete waist. |
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kuma62 New user 6 Posts
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So are there other effects using a normal chain or other scams like the endless chain
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bropaul Loyal user Florida 222 Posts
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Since I was scanning this thread, and I don’t want to break any rules, I have a routine that just works. (“”Get A Job.”) Keep it fun. This is a great thread.
Check my site if interested and don’t miss Fast & Lose by Pop Haydn. Now go make some money. AND have fun. Bro. Paul West |
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warren Inner circle uk 4302 Posts
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Quote:
On Jun 27, 2019, bropaul wrote: Couldn't see a demo to show what we would be purchasing. |
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Mr. Bones Veteran user 328 Posts
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On Jul 17, 2019, warren wrote: There's almost always a reason for that!
Mr. Bones
"Hey Rube"! |
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jakeg Inner circle 1741 Posts
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Quote:
On Jul 23, 2019, Mr. Bones wrote: What you are purchasing is the routine. If you use it, it’s money well spent. I don’t think that the man is in the business of handing out free samples. |
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Mr. Bones Veteran user 328 Posts
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Quote:
On Jul 23, 2019, jakeg wrote: Well you see, the chain, like the top'n'ball is illegal to work on the street with money on the table, whether you claim to the cop that it's "just for entertainment" or not. This chap has clearly implied that you can make money with the chain ... so you would have to agree that there's a disconnect between what he's advertising, and what's actually legal to do. That's what needs to be explained, and no doubt why the question was asked.
Mr. Bones
"Hey Rube"! |
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sgiandubh New user 50 Posts
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On Jul 24, 2019, Mr. Bones wrote: OK I picked this up and can see how it would work, it is completely different to the actual con guys out on the street. Now if where you live you cannot have actual cash on the table without committing an offence you might have a problem. The way this is presented is that the money that you get to keep is not a result of direct betting but there are some subtleties involved that you may or may not be comfortable with. Will I perform like this? hell yes! I think it's a great idea. I believe people will believe they have been entertained (and they are) not ripped off (and they are not) and will have no problem leaving you with the money. |
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Brandon Regular user Florida 131 Posts
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I loved the chain that was included with Marc DeSouza's Chain Gang...School for Scoundrel's was too big, and do not want to go with the ball-chain type from a hardware store. Does anyone know where/if I can still purchase DeSouza's video that game w/ the chain? Any and all help is much appreciated!
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sgiandubh New user 50 Posts
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Brandon, I don't know if the chain has been changed since you last had one but the chain I have with Marc DeSouza's Chain Gang is lighter but longer than my SFS chain. Just in case you find one and then find its longer than you wanted!
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NicholasD25 Elite user 422 Posts
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Christopher Manos sells an endless chain made with square ball chain so it won't roll around on the table. Comes in gold or silver color. Not expensive at all. While I have almost all of the commercial chains, this is my go-to chain.
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NicholasD25 Elite user 422 Posts
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Many may not realize that David Roth used to perform an endless chain routine in some of his early lectures. I've kicked myself over the years for not making note of the routine. It was extremely well structured and, importantly, it was very entertaining.
I spoke to David a couple of times about publishing the routine, but he seemed to want to keep it to himself. I'm hoping that someone may release some of his unpublished material, including this. |
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MagicByVincent Veteran user Staten Island, New York 333 Posts
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NicholsD25 where can we buy the chain your talking about?
   Magic is all around us we just have to be willing to see it.
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NicholasD25 Elite user 422 Posts
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Quote:
On Jan 22, 2021, MagicVin wrote: The website is The Magic of Christopher Manos. Under tricks and books, scroll down to The Great Chain Con. |
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MagicByVincent Veteran user Staten Island, New York 333 Posts
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Thanks !
Magic is all around us we just have to be willing to see it.
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| The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » If right you win, if wrong you lose... » » Endless chain (8 Likes) | ||||||||||
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Posted: Aug 11, 2005 11:39 pm 
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