On 2010-08-22 19:24, Bill Palmer wrote:
According to that eminent authority on psychology, Jamy Ian Swiss, the whole left brain / right brain thing has been discredited. See the latest issue of Genii for full details.

On 2010-08-24 08:34, sethb wrote:
In my experience, the size of your hands determines the size of the balls that you should use. Many C&B sets come with 1" balls, which I found slightly too big for my hands. Most magic shops also carry 7/8" balls, which work better for me, and even 3/4" ones.

Whatever size balls you get, buy a spare set so that when one rolls under the refrigerator or is destroyed by your cat, it's not the end of your act. The Morrissey brand knt balls from Canada are inexpensive, yet well made with a thick wool that helps to prevent the balls from "talking" at the wrong times.

I have had good luck with the Bazar DeMagia cups, which are available in aluminum, brass and copper. I started with aluminum and graduated to brass, which are much heavier and have a nice ring when hit with a plastic wand. They will also take a good-sized final load. These cups are well made, durable, and at about $75, won't cost you an arm and a leg. If you order a straight set and a combo set, you will be able to try routines with and without the chopped cup, and will also have two spares in case of loss or damage. In my opinion, the chopped cup is more trouble than it's worth, but there are others who will disagree.

Many folks subscribe to the "bigger is better" theory for final loads. Just remember that the bigger the load, the tougher it is to load it unseen into the cup. In my experience, a better principle is "the odder the better," meaning a non-congruent final load like a lemon, potato, or even a stack of coins. When I'm pitching the small plastic Royal Magic C&B sets from FUN, Inc., I use a "D" battery as a final load. This lets me end the routine with the gag line "Oh, the battery's dead, sorry, no more magic today!" I have also used a golf ball as a final load, but the battery always gets the bigger and better response.

For DVD teaching, you can't do better than the Ammar 2-disc set. As you know, Ammar emphasizes learning the different moves so that you can construct your own routine. For further study, I'd suggest Bob White's excellent DVD, "A Practical Approach to the Cups & Balls," click HERE for more info. Bob is from the Dai Vernon school of thought, and he emphasizes naturalness in his sleights and moves.

Welcome to the wonderful world of the Cups & Balls, and don't be overly concerned about what sort of cups you get. The trick is about you and your presentation, not the cups! SETH

On 2010-08-24 16:58, Josh Riel wrote:
I don't get paid to perform magic, so my opinion is just a little less than relevant. However, I will still give it.

I like White balls with a Black mat, assuming I'm using Copper or Wood (Dark) cups. If I'm using Stainless or Aluminum cups I like to use a darker ball (White and black/red/blue usually) I really like a more vibrant ball seeing as that is the magic (Opinions...). I like fairly big and heavy balls, but not too heavy 1 1/4" with a rubber core is nice for me. Not popular and way too much of a pain to make very many.

Anyway, there is my opinion (It is an opinion that I've reached with the thinking of some other magicians, but nonetheless it is mine now.)

as far as the right/left brain thing, I'm happy if I can get any of my brain to work, I don't dare ask where it lives.

On 2010-08-23 22:53, Bill Palmer wrote:
Not in that price range, at least. Remember Andy Comic basically put that together as a budget way to get into a set of busking cups. These cups are no longer made.

Cups are a very personal thing.

BTW, that wasn't actually a case. It was a busking pouch. Okay, it was a fanny pack, but if you think it's a case, you are missing the purpose of it.

Getting back to the cups, though. You can order a set of cups, balls and loads from RnT II. They even have wands. So all you would be missing is the pouch.

Pouches are even more personal than cups.

On 2010-08-24 17:51, sethb wrote:

BTW, I use a cheap $2 plastic 11" wand for closeup and a 13" plastic one for parlour-type venues. They both look fine, do the job in the misdirection department, and most importantly, don't put any dents in my brass cups. It's too light for a Vernon Wand Spin, but I could never master that move anyway! SETH

On 2010-08-26 10:15, Dougini wrote:
QuailCreek,

I like that Ricky Jay routine. That's an example of an original routine. Have you decided on your cups? I've been a few places on the 'net, and can't find a nicer set than RNTII.

Mendoza Combo Cups/Copper/Mirror Finish, yes. If you can afford them, that's the set to buy. And, I appreciate everyone's video additions as well. Wow, what an education on the Cups & Balls.

For beginners on a budget, I have to say, $26 ain't bad for a nice set, at Morrissey Magic.

These are the ones I had for many years (scroll all the way to the bottom, "Cups & Balls Combination-Large Size Aluminum" - $42.00):

http://www.morrisseymagic.com/morrissey_......nd+balls

Again, just for beginners on a tight budget. You might want to ask about the correct size of ball you need for those cups (3/4 inch, and 1 inch). You'll find what you need.

Again, if it were me, I'd go with RNTII. Save your money. Get the BEST. Donnie will hook you up.

Doug

On 2010-08-25 08:05, sethb wrote:
Tom -- Now you can see why the Cups & Balls has survived for hundreds, if not thousands of years: it's a great and very versatile trick!

Have fun with it, and please let us know how and what you're doing. SETH