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haywire Special user Philadelphia 760 Posts |
Well I'm finally retiring my abbots vanishing dove cage. Still works, but I'd like an upgrade and I'd really like one that can hold 6 or 8 doves. This one just holds 4 doves and though it works, its a bit noisey and being old and wooden, I'm really ready for an upgrade.
I know prolines are supposed to be the best, but they are awfully pricey in my opinion. Are there any alternatives short of building your own? I'm considering building my own but before I did I wanted to look at some less expensive alternatives... Any suggestions? Steven |
Bill Hegbli Eternal Order Fort Wayne, Indiana 22797 Posts |
If you would do a search on the vanishing bird cage, you will find many discussions on your question.
To sum them up, Café members loyal to Proline perfer that cage and others like the Norm Nielsen model. If you are not an expert cabnet maker and metal worker with sources for the new space age materisls, then you cannot build anything close to these models. |
haywire Special user Philadelphia 760 Posts |
Oh never say never, I've built many illusions so far. Does not have to be made of space age materials to work you know.
I like both models you mentioned but I'd really prefer a cage that holds 8 birds. Cost is also an issue, they are both awfully expensive. Steven |
Bill Hegbli Eternal Order Fort Wayne, Indiana 22797 Posts |
I guess you are left with re-building your Abbott's model so it will hold 8 birds.
I believe these cages can hold at least 6 birds. Have you considered that not all your birds need to be put in the cage. One can change to a silk, a few can change to a rabbit, etc. For that big a cage you might consider the Owen Magic Plans or the Osborne Plans that use a cage setting on 4 legs. I suggest this as it is doubtful that a single leg table will hold that large a table top without increasing the possibility of tipping over easily. |
haywire Special user Philadelphia 760 Posts |
I am doing a doves to bunny and a few single vanishes as well, so yes I know they don't all need to go in a cage. I decided I'm going to think over many factors before deciding on just building a vanishing cage.
6 or 8 birds can be made to vanish or transform in other ways. I guess I have to think about the routine and decide what I really want there. One thing is that I see so many dove magicians doing the cage vanish. Yes I know, regular people won't notice this but I do. I'm going to try and think of a more original effect I suppose... Steven |
Bob Sanders Grammar Supervisor Magic Valley Ranch, Clanton, Alabama 20504 Posts |
It is reality check time. My cage is so old I don't know what brand it was. It is all metal. It will vanish 6 doves. It breaks down into three pieces for travel (top, post and base) and it has coil springs for cage bars.
Does anyone know? Bob Sanders Magic By Sander |
Bill Hegbli Eternal Order Fort Wayne, Indiana 22797 Posts |
In my estimation the best Vanishing bird cage is the one that changes to a girl in a feather costume, standing atop the table.
Only seen Lance Burton perform it on television. It was for sale in magic magazines years back, in the 1980's. Very expensive, but the response is magical. |
magicfreak_NV Regular user 159 Posts |
You are thinking of the Gemini Cage created by Creative Illusions.
Bill Smith can now build this for you. It will be in the $5,000- $8,000 range. very few of the original Creative Illusion props are around. Do a search and I'm sure you will find more information on this. But if you think Cliff Wigg's props are too pricey then I don't see you getting one of these. you can polish a turd but it's still a turd do your self and the magic community a favor and buy the professionally made props. |
Dave Scribner Assistant Manager Lake Hopatcong, NJ 4849 Posts |
There are other's performing this type of vanishing cage. Lawrence Khong does the same vanish except his girl isn't wearing the feather costume. I know there are others.
Years ago, Greg Frewin brought the cage to the front of the stage and change it to his assistant. While not on a table top, it was amazing at how easily he carried the girl. To me the most amazing vanish is James Dimmare. If you've never seen his vanish, his cage shrinks under the cloth, a little at a time until it is only the size of the small vanishing cage. The cloth is removed and the cage has tiny doves??? inside then the entire cage vanishes in plain view.
Where the magic begins
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Bill Hegbli Eternal Order Fort Wayne, Indiana 22797 Posts |
Yes, James Dimmare shrinking and vanishing bird cage is wonderful, but it is not available. He worked hard to create it when everyone told him it was not possible. A true gem!
I was going with what was available on the market. Greg Frewin method is not available to my knowledge, unless it is on his DVDs he sells. He is most creative dove worker in the business. What a creative brain, it is to bad he does not get more recognition, not only by words and awards, but by supporting him to become the millionaire he promised himself he would attain. |
Dave Scribner Assistant Manager Lake Hopatcong, NJ 4849 Posts |
I agree, Bill. I was just pointing out that other magicians are performing the vanishing cage to girl.
Where the magic begins
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haywire Special user Philadelphia 760 Posts |
I have a doves to girl cage. Its great but the problem is traveling with it and also, I use my assistant throughout the act so I'd need to pack and extra girl with me to close with that. Traveling with one girl is quite enough, ask anyone who has done it
I think I found a unique solution to this problem, its an old closer of Jimmy Ray's which everyone raved about. The trick and props were unique to Jimmy Ray and no one else ever did it. I will have to build the props but the cage involved is actually much simpler to build than a vanishing cage. I like this idea ALOT because it would be unique to me. I just think a unique trick or effect is worth 10 times one that you can buy, but maybe that's just me. Jimmy Ray is a tremendous guy, he's helping me figure out how to build the props and insure it will work like his old version did. I can't wait to get started on it but I have another project just finishing up in my shop to get to first. If anyone else has any thoughts on endings for dove acts, I'm still all ears but I'm pretty sure I found what I was looking for. Steven |
Bill Hegbli Eternal Order Fort Wayne, Indiana 22797 Posts |
Having a signature piece in your act always the best choice. It make you stand out the rest. Good luck!
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