Now there is a lesson and demonstration in misdirection...

I have never had trouble with either the thumb spin or the Vernon/Mora spin. For the Thumb Spin the wand has to be placed in just the right position in the fingers in direct relation to its weight and balance, as well as its length. Since each wand out there is different, it is trial and error, as well as a bit of a knack. To relate what I mean by all of that, take the following example: learn to spin a Bic-style pen around the thumb. You can spin it with the cap on either end, or without the cap at all. Any which way, the starting position of the pen changes.

I too can't even come close to masters the drummer's spin, which is funny since I've played the drums for 20 years.

I'd havekept that one quiet Andrew! Interestingly it's very easy to go from the drummers spin into Vernon - Mora and vice versa which makes for quite a nice flourish.

I quite agree with that. Further, if you can roll the wand "up" your hand (kind of like a Steeplechase coin roll) starting with your pinky, segue into the Drummer Spin and straight into the Vernon/Mora spin, it looks very pretty.

I should clarify that by rolling the wand up the hand, I do mean twirling it between your fingers in an upward direction; you start with your palm facing your, pinky parallel to the ground, and twirl it up the way one would a pen or pencil.

I remember learning the Drummer Spin when I was a kid at the primary school.. I learned it with a pen.. Didn't know it was called a "Drummer Spin" back then.. When I watched the Ammar C&B video, I was surprised that I saw the spin performed.. I tried it with my wand and successfully done it the first time..

I think it is one of those motorized abilities.. Just like riding a bicycle.. Once you learn it, you do not forget it.. It requires a lot of practice, though, to get the hang of it...

I am still practicing on the Vernon Spin.. I think the Vernon Spin looks better than the Drummer Spin when performed.. It looks more elegant..
Just my 2 cents..

When you have the vernon - Mora working atinczor, you'll be able to use them together, they work very well together! Are you learning the ball vanish too or just the flourish?

Bri

I must be confused. I tried spinning the drum, not the stick.

:lol:

I dare say that would hurt to drop it, in more ways than one...

I am trying to learn the ball vanish with the flourish.. Timing seems to be crucial... It will take time..

I still have a couple of the packages left if you could use the help Plus you'll get the 2 bonuss effects and a solid hardwood Oak wand.

Bri

If you take Bri's offer, I suggest you use a cheap wand to practice with instead of the nice oak wand.

Ordinarily I would agree, however the way it's taught in the workshop book I don't forsee any damage to wands or people and it really is very easy to get to grips with

Bri

I just received in the mail Bri’s (Brian Watson) latest work “The Vernon-Mora Wand Spin Workshop.” I have to say very impressive... Bri has written a well produced book with clear instructions and photos galore; also included is a 12” oak magic wand and a rubber ball to practice the drop.

In all fairness I must say that Bri is a great friend on a personal and magical level, what I am about to write has not been swayed one way or the other by our friendship.

I have never quite mastered the Vernon-Mora wand spin... I learn better from books than from videos, maybe it’s because I like to relax and listen to music while practicing. I do have the book “The Dai Vernon Book of Magic” and find its description of the wand move to be a little lacking. Looking at Bri’s book I am encouraged with 53 pages and 76 clear photos on the wand spin (the book is 68 pages long featuring some bonus material).

Good job Bri... I can’t wait to dedicate some time to your workshop!

I own many books on magic and can easily spot what is worthwhile... IMHO, I believe that “The Vernon-Mora Wand Spin Workshop.” will be a respected piece of work in the world of Cups and Balls; I suggest that you get a copy while they are available.

Thanks,
Bruce

Bruce,

Thank you for your kind words. I have been getting a lot of positive feedback on this project from many people, it seems to have been very well received indeed!

Bri

I also first learned to do the spin with a pen, it is much harder with a pen. The weight of a wand seems to make this easier. Maybe those having trouble will suffer fewer injuries and break things less if you practice with a pen first!

That may be true, but even then, until you get the knack down with a pen, the weight and balance of the pen matters too. When you get the knack part of it, you can do it with any pen you pick up.

Lol, Scott, if he uses my workhop book there will be no injuries or breakages!