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fingerjack Special user CT, USA 574 Posts |
I know there have been several posts on the Boomerang Rubber Band already, but I was wondering if someone had some applications for it other than an unbelievably cool stunt. I’ve been able to do it with both hands now for quite some time, but I’ve run into a few problems.
First off, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve performed it and the band launches out and back so fast that the spectators are still looking for it when it’s already back in my hand, even if the band color contrasts the floor. I’ve been accused several times of totally faking it with people thinking I’m pulling their leg after doing a perfect boomerang (the irony of some amazing stunts). Is there a way to control the speed other than the tension and the type of band I use? (which incidentally, is BRITES #16, which are light blue and come pretty cheap in the multicolor pack. I have found these to be the best band available for this stunt. Anyone else have something better? A variety of color for different floor patters would be ideal). Chris Kenner states in his manuscript that Paul Sponaugle can have the band travel up his arm and into his shirt pocket. Now, I don’t doubt that. But mine goes up my arm and over my shoulder like Evil Kenevil on one of his gone awry stunts. Does anybody have any resources for the fine work on this? He also states that two bands can be shot from the same hand at the same time and I think I’ve tried every combination out there. Anybody know the correct technique? To add irony to insult, this stunt alone has had a better reaction than almost any piece of magic I do. It kills when presented properly, and as a bar bet you can rake in the bucks. People never ask to see a card or coin trick, but “that trick where the rubber band comes rolling back to you.” It’s almost too good. For anyone that has tried it and gave up, DON’T! It took forever to get the knack, and it is a knack, but once you’ve got it it’s surefire on carpet, cement, tile, you name it. Also, I would have saved a week of practice knowing that a new band is only good for a couple of returns before the elasticity (however minute) is gone and renders the band useless for this stunt. So you may even be doing it right but failing because the band it too broken in. Grab a bunch of good, round, #16 bands and chuck them out after a couple of tries. It is, despite it’s headshaking factor, an achievable effect within everyone’s reach. Any thoughts on this? Your comments greatly appreciated. Thanks.
MAGNAPALM - The World's first psionic magnetic implants that is changing the future of magic http://youtu.be/EDmg2bp_Cas
WASHED AND DRYED - An squeaky clean incredible full deck transformation! http://fingerjack.wix.com/washedanddryed |
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newguy Elite user 411 Posts |
An old Charlie Miller column in Genii has some other effects with the boomerang rubber bands, worth a look
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KC Special user Utah 571 Posts |
I don't know the correct technique, but I have seen someone shoot 2 rubberbands at the same time. And it was great because he used to different rubberbands and so you could see the contrast. It's a great trick to do. Although, some of the asian students at my university have told me that it is a children's game back in their country.
K.C. |
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Jonathan Townsend Eternal Order Ossining, NY 27297 Posts |
Yes, let's focus on the impact of the stunt as compared to the impact of a 'sleight of hand routine'...
Which is more dramatic to watch? Which is simpler in effect? Which takes place in a larger action area? Which uses the more ordinary props(s) where more extraordinary activity occurs? Yes, clearly the thing with the rubber band wins hands down. What does this tell you about the need to make magic routines emotionally and intellectualy pertinent to your audiences?
...to all the coins I've dropped here
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fingerjack Special user CT, USA 574 Posts |
These are some hard questions.
Which is more dramatic to watch? I guess that would depend on the spectator and the performer's effect and level of skill. Naturally, I suppose some advanced sleight of hand routine would technically be more dramatic for the magician, I can't really be so sure about the layman. Which is simpler in effect? I can't think of anything simpler in plot. "This amazing variable tension gripper will catupult from my hands at blinding speeds, fly across the heavens, land back upon the earth and the ROLL BACK to me like a fiery wheel from hell and I shall snatch it with my fingers from the midst of his burning wake!" (This was a dramatization) Which takes place in a larger action area? Which uses the more ordinary props(s) where more extraordinary activity occurs? The more room for this effect the better. A basketball court or an aisle in Wal-Mart is an ideal setting. Across the top of the bar is the ultimate. Can you get more ordinary than I rubber band a wonder? I suppose not even the lowly paper clip is more ordinary. What does this tell you about the need to make magic routines emotionally and intellectually pertinent to your audiences? I really have trouble with the answer. If you know the answer, could you please share? Thanks for the input guys. Anyone have a copy of the Charles Miller write up, I'd gladly pay for a copy.
MAGNAPALM - The World's first psionic magnetic implants that is changing the future of magic http://youtu.be/EDmg2bp_Cas
WASHED AND DRYED - An squeaky clean incredible full deck transformation! http://fingerjack.wix.com/washedanddryed |
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Bananafish Elite user Simon Shaw, Suffolk, England 415 Posts |
Could someone give me a book,manuscript, DVD etc, where this trick is taught. It sounds like a useful addition to my repetoire.
Thanks. |
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fingerjack Special user CT, USA 574 Posts |
The only references I know of can be found in Dan Harlan's MAGIC WITH RUBBERBANDS Volume 3, and the short manuscript from Chris Kenner can be found here http://www.tmyers.com/magic/magicindex.html for under five bucks.
MAGNAPALM - The World's first psionic magnetic implants that is changing the future of magic http://youtu.be/EDmg2bp_Cas
WASHED AND DRYED - An squeaky clean incredible full deck transformation! http://fingerjack.wix.com/washedanddryed |
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DanHarlan V.I.P. 998 Posts |
Beware the power of the Boomerang Band!
As fingerjack stated, this is the one people remember and want to see. If your ego can deal with it, then do it! Shooting two at once: I just tried it (never did it before) and it's easy for anyone who already does this. Just put both of them on at the same time, together. The tension is doubled, but your fingers should be used to that by now. Making sure people see it: You have to call their attention to the approximate place where the band will land to begin its roll back. You should be pretty familiar with where that will be. Most people don't believe you are actually going to do what you say. It just sounds too unlikely. So, often they will just watch your hand to see what is "really" going to happen. That's why you have to repeat it. This stunt has been around a long time and no-one knows its origin. --Dan Harlan |
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Eddy Special user Manchester 582 Posts |
I get the tension down, but when I release it goes upwards at an angle, and goes quite far, By the time that it reaches the floor it has run out of momentum and stops dead. Any tips? How far should it fly and what angle etc?
La magie, c'est ma vie
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magic soul Regular user U.K. 104 Posts |
I fnd this little stunt impossible to work for me anyway. I have the dan harlan videos and they clearly describe it but I find sevral sleights easier to work than this little stunt.andy
andy
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DanHarlan V.I.P. 998 Posts |
To get the angle right for shooting, you simply need to experiment by angling your hand slightly up or down each time. Also, every brand of rubberband is different, so a really good band (like the BRITES #16) can be shot 20 feet and still return easily, but another band may only be able to return if shot 10 feet. Typically, when I shoot a band the first time, I try it at about 10 feet, which requires me to angle my hand quite far down. If it returns well, I'll try it a little further out until I hit a limit. For some bands, the surface has a lot to do with it. The worst surface I've ever found was a dusty hardwood floor -- just no traction at all!
For those having difficulty with this, remember it is a knack. You most likely won't get it the first few times. Just get the position and the tensions right. Then shoot a few without even trying to get them to come back. Just observe them as they fly to make sure you have a good reverse spin in them. After that, you can start aiming toward the floor and play around till it works! --Dan Harlan |
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Eddy Special user Manchester 582 Posts |
Thank you for your advice Dan, One more question which bands should I buy? I want a good selection so I can do all the band effects - CMH, Missing Link, redux etc?
La magie, c'est ma vie
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DanHarlan V.I.P. 998 Posts |
For most rubberband work, #19 is the size you want. For Boomerang, get #16. The company that manufactures the best quality bands is Alliance. They make both the #19 Pale Crepe Gold and the #16 Brites (blue).
http://www.rubberband.com --Dan Harlan |
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japanjazzy Regular user Crestview, Florida 139 Posts |
All I can say is I own all of your tapes/DVDs Dan and have tried and used many of your routines. But I have never been able to get that darn rubberband to come back to me. I have given up unless some new light is shed on my lack of ability.
Michael |
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fingerjack Special user CT, USA 574 Posts |
Just got a new computer and back online after the last one bit the dust. Glad to see this topic is still alive.
Michael, All I can recommend is not to give up. If you have Dan’s video I can’t think of a better way to learn. Just keep crackin and that sucker will eventually come back to you like a good dog. Dan, thanks for your comments and tips. Your contributions to the art have been invaluable, and the rubber band trilogy is fantastic. Now, do you know where I can buy #16 BRITES by the pound? The only place I get them is in the multi pack where I have to pick them out like green M&Ms. The Alliance site didn’t seem too helpful, I’ve been there before. Thanks!
MAGNAPALM - The World's first psionic magnetic implants that is changing the future of magic http://youtu.be/EDmg2bp_Cas
WASHED AND DRYED - An squeaky clean incredible full deck transformation! http://fingerjack.wix.com/washedanddryed |
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treysdaddy New user 92 Posts |
Michael, don't give up. Dan Harlan is right in saying that this is a knack. You won't get it the first few (or in my case few hundred) times. You can get those multipacks of brites bands at either Office Max of Office Depot, I can't remember which.
Dan, you should get royalties from the rubberband manufacturers. I know I have a desk drawer full of every different size band due to your incredible dvds. Thanks for putting them out. Bill |
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Al Angello Eternal Order Collegeville, Pa. USA 11045 Posts |
My buddie Fingerjack pointed this 2004 thread out to me, and I just had to bring it back to life. Dan Harlan uses one handling, and I use a different one, you can see mine for free at http://www.juggleral.com Click "rubberbandman" then click the words to the right of the screen.
HAVE FUN Al Angello
Al Angello The Comic Juggler/Magician
http://www.juggleral.com http://home.comcast.net/~juggleral/ "Footprints on your ceiling are almost gone" |
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MagicMan1957 Inner circle 1445 Posts |
I wish someone ( ATTENTION, Al Angello, Vinny Marini, Dan Harlan, Joe Rindfleisch etc etc ) would come out with a VERY DETAILED DVD on this great stunt.
I,ve seen the video explanations of Al Angello , Dan Harlan and a few others and just cannot get the knack down pat with any reliability. Plus I know there are more than one way of loading and shooting the bands. A detailed DVD of this one effect I think would sell great! |
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IanKendall Special user Edinburgh 571 Posts |
I was planning on doing a lesson on this for the Virtual Sessions last year, but I had to think about the implications of doing a video lesson of someone else's move. I may yet do one for the second year (if that happens).
If you want to learn the Kenner/Garrett/Weber version the best resource is the booklet put out by Dan Garrett years ago (I think that's the link above). It's very detailed, and you will be able to get the work from it. The thing to remember about this move (as has been mentioned several times) is that there is a degree of experimentation that everyone needs to put in. Everyone's hand is different (Al says he cannot lock his finger, which makes this version harder for him). Personally, I load onto my ring finger rather than my little finger, which, since it is longer, gives better tension on the band, and is more comfortable. One quick tip I'll end with, if you already have the Harlan tape; don't have the band too far off your thumb. If the loop of the band is a centimetre or so from the edge of your nail the band will have a tendency to twist as it rolls off the finger. If this happens, it will untwist as it spins away from your hand, and this will put a side force on the band which will push it off course. Try to have the band as close to the end of your thumb as possible, and then, when you are ready to fire, simply bend your thumb down. Hope that helps, Take care, Ian |
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Al Angello Eternal Order Collegeville, Pa. USA 11045 Posts |
Magicman1957
If someone would like to produce a boomerang rubber band DVD I will be glad to work with them. I have taught lots of people this trick in just a few minutes at magic conventions, and my offer still stands. if you see me at a magic convention I will give you a free lesson, and some propper rubber bands to take home with you. The only thing I ask in return is that you pass it along to your friends when you get home. Don Cox asked me to pass it along when he taught me this trick, and them be my terms too. Also Don Cox is a magic Café member, so if you learn anything from my video, please thank Don for sharing his knowledge. The jugglers motto is to "share the art" HAVE FUN Al Angello
Al Angello The Comic Juggler/Magician
http://www.juggleral.com http://home.comcast.net/~juggleral/ "Footprints on your ceiling are almost gone" |
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