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Zephury Elite user Hollywood, FL 488 Posts |
I've decided to put this topic here because I'm currently investigating these questions based on the attire and sets I'm refining for strolling and table hopping. There's quite a few questions, I'd appreciate answers to any of them, even if they're just small ideas, or brief suggestions. Thanks!
Topit-- Specifically Michael Ammar's. I'm getting a new suit this weekend and I'm still trying to decide rather I want to get a Topit sewn in or not. I may just end up getting two jackets-- one with a topit and one without. I've got a lot of custom pocket work in mind as well as an inquisition about my Ringflight Revolution working with it. Firstly, does having a top pocket really impede on the topit's use? I feel like I've always heard that people tend to close up their inside breast pockets as they get in the way. To me, it doesn't really seem like it'd be that big of an issue. Is it? That's where I keep my wallet for CTW and I really don't want to move it. I'm choosing the Ammar Topit as I have his book and pattern already, I've also heard that it's practical as you can easily detach it as you're taking your coat off. Has anyone used Ringflight Revolution residing in your back pocket on the same side that you're using your topit from? Curious if anyones tried it and if it'll work. My back right pocket is used for something else and the left is the side I really prefer to have it on. Will it hinder it? I know this one is far out but, I also like using David Stone's bottle holder on my left side (Which does interfere with my Ring Flight Revolution) has anyone tried using that holder for an appearing bottle while also having a topit rigged up? Curious if anyone has any input on that issue as well. Are there any coin clips out there which can easily retain 4 silver dollars, all added to the clip at once rather easily? I know Eugene Burger's clip which uses a Banker's Clasp can take all four at once rather well but, it takes some force to get them in there. I want to hook a contraption of some sort up to a pull and at the end of a routine, vanish all four silver dollars completely. If I don't use a pull, perhaps I could utilize a topit for that. But, essentially, what I'm looking for is a device to which I can easily conceal and rather effortlessly clip 4 coins down to move as a unit, silently. So far, I've considered just using Eugene's clip, or using a tight coin purse... But, maybe someone else has another idea. I'd love to hear about any ideas someone may have. I enjoy doing the Anniversary Walts but, I would prefer not to keep the extra cards in the bottom of the card box. I'd really like to be able to retrieve these cards at any time and secretly add them to the deck at that point. I'm aware of MANY things that can accomplish this but, there are some other concerns. When it comes to reliability, I don't particularly want to use manipulation clips as once you get down to a low number, sometimes they fall out of a butterfly clip or something of the sort. I'd like whatever I use to be concrete and safe. Also, the condition of the cards... I worry that some of the methods to hold extra cards out may cause these cards to bend or become warped. I'd like to prevent that as much as possible. So far, I'm thinking mostly about the TKO but, I have a concern when it comes to warping. I also would prefer to have something more versatile so that I could continue usage of the device, even when I'm wearing a vest over my shirt. So in short... What's the best way to hold out extra cards to which you can secretly retrieve at any time during a set? I'd also be interested in hearing about alternatives for the High Caliber holsters. I really would like to see one in person or hear other suggestions before I make the dive for something that expensive that I'm not entirely sure I'd even use a lot. I've heard many bad things about their reputation for reliability and honesty. That's steered me away from them a lot. I'd be pleased to hear some input on devices which help hold stuff! Thanks for reading, I know it was long. I really didn't want to make a bunch of short posts though. I don't really want to flood the feed. |
plink Special user 661 Posts |
Perhaps a belly servant for the vanish of the silver dollars. Lybrary.com has a how-to on making and using one.
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Rocky Elite user 486 Posts |
Hello Zeph...
You are putting some serious thought into the gizmos and gadgets which can turn an everyday suit jacket into a magicians best friend. However, before you begin modifying your clothing with topits, clips, pulls, and holsters I would suggest getting enough experience doing restaurant magic to truly justify such alterations. I can relate to the thought of wanting a James Bond style suit coat which would allow one to switch, produce, vanish an array of objects at a moments notice. There was a time when I had such a suit coat...topit, attached ITR, handkerchief pull, concealed TT holder, coin dropper, along with a specially designed multi-pocketed vest to wear underneath my super cool secret magic jacket that could hold up to 5 different decks, 10 packet tricks, two sharpies, a set of color changing knives, a thimble holder, and just in case the ITR reel on my jacket malfunctioned, an extra ITR reel. It soon became apparent to me...after I began to perform at table hopping venues...that I really didn't need all the bells and whistles I had carefully implemented into my clothing. I don't want to discourage you from pursuing your dream magic jacket, but try to get enough experience to truly justify your ideas. Ask the majority of seasoned close-up workers what they carry with them during a gig and you might be surprised to hear how much mileage they can get with a deck of cards and a handful of coins. |
Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
I don't want to crush the dream. If this is the direction you wish to go by all means pursue it. Seems extreme to me.
Good luck with it brother!
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
Poof-Daddy Inner circle Considering Stopping At Exactly 5313 Posts |
I agree with Rocky, I like to joke about my full on Batman Utility Jacket but as a real worker, I don't think it is practical. Relying on all those gizmos and gadgets is almost as bad as the guy who has 17 gaffed decks stuffed in his pockets and has to use a new deck each trick.
The Ammar Topit is great and has multiple uses (including extra storage if needed) A Secret Servante holds 3 silver dollars well or 4 halves but many people are using 2 for their silver dollar routines. They are small and easy to adjust to your jacket. http://www.penguinmagic.com/p/5276 Blackbird is nice if you utilize sleeving. TKO 2.0 is a great mini topit / card holdout. Buskers use many different pouch type devises you could strap around your waist. Really there are probably a hundred items you could justify using for one effect or another but the decision you need to come to is "How much bang for the buck is this (item, utility, alteration...) giving me"? then decide from there. When I was table hopping full time I had the luxury of space to push around a Joe Lefler pro table and carried everything I owned. It did not take long to realise that most of the night I used a couple coins, 2 maybe 3 decks of cards, some rubber bands, sponge balls, Pen thru anything and a handful of "kids effects". Yes, I threw in some different things from time to time like my Kennedy Card Box, brass nest of boxes for coins and various "trick of the week items" for regular customers. this all fit in a small close up case I left behind the bar and jumped to between tables as needed. the main 90% fit in my pockets with ZERO alterations to my clothing. Nothing wrong with experimenting though. I have recently put an Ammar Topit in my jacket (but only practice as of now. Not near ready to perform with it. (As for your above question about your card to wallet, I had to move my BKM wallet to the other side because it was blocking my coin toss like Michael Jordan ) I have several gizmos that can go in or out at one time or another, I just choose the 1 or 2 that I will be using and take them. This is also attire and effects that I only use at "professional type gigs" If I am working at a bar or just strolling at a festival, I wear nice street clothes and perform mostly from my pockets. Cards coins and rubberbands can last me several hours of strolling. If I can set up my portable table in a bar or by a booth at a festival, I have a lot more options as I have a drawer and a case to work from also. So basically, decide what you really NEED rather than WANT before you commit to several alterations, tailored clothing and costly holsters. (the holsters look really cool though ) And as much as you will always hear - "Don't run when you are not being chased" also remember "Less is More". Good luck and happy hunting.
Cancer Sux - It is time to find a Cure
Don't spend so much time trying not to die that you forget how to live - H's wife to H on CSI Miami (paraphrased). |
Zephury Elite user Hollywood, FL 488 Posts |
Thanks for the replies so far.
I'm not calling myself a professional by any means but, I've got 6months or so total performance time in Restaurants. While that isn't enough to make me a pro, I do think it gave me enough experience to know the sort of things I want to do. Currently I carry one deck of cards, one sharpie, a real man's wallet, 5 silver dollars, a jumbo coin, and a ring flight revolution. I'm aware there are others who go with less but, I feel very comfortable with this amount of items. Occasionally I'll carry a thumb tip. The question regarding David Stone's bottle holder isn't so much for when I'm strolling but, for rare occasions. My "lot of custom pocket work" in mind isn't to lug a ton of crap around, it's to make things easier on myself. I do two coin routines, one of them being based around the Sylvester Pitch. Having really deep pockets hinders the move. I prefer the bottoms of my pockets to be right at the end of my middle finger, any deeper and you're digging for coins. My Real man's wallet goes in my left breast pocket. I currently use safety pins around it in order to keep it from wiggling around or going deeper in my pocket to where I have to fumble to load the card. I'll have the pocket sewn down so that my wallet stays right at the top and so that I'll never have to worry about fumbling. So it's custom work like that which I'm speaking about, not a ton of pockets to store stuff. When it comes to a holdout for cards, its simply because I love doing Anniversary Waltz and other effects with double facers. I just want to be able to do the effect whenever I see fit and not only when I prepare for it by loading the card in before approaching a group of people. In short, I'd just like to hear about what the topit may stop me from being able to do or what hindrance it might present. Then a suggestion on which sort of utility or method would be best for holding cards out and keeping them safe until the time that I do secretly add them to the deck. I know exactly how I can accomplish my coin vanish for my coins across but, I had just wondered if anyone knew of any other coin clips or contraptions which could easily clip 4 silver dollars down silently in order to make them move as a unit and ditch in to a Topit or something of the sort. |
caigy Inner circle England 1199 Posts |
Hi Zephury,
I find Mark Traversoni's 'Card Scarf' a very useful and practical bit of kit. http://www.saturnmagic.co.uk/saturn-magi......oni.html The six pockets are ideal for holding more than just decks of cards and I actually keep a stack of my Anniversary Waltz replacements in one of them....plus, apart from possibly fitting a topit using a few safety-pins, there is no need to modify your jackets Highly recommended. Paul Mc.
Exclusive Worldwide Producer and Supplier of the Grismer Lock.
Top Class, Individually Crafted Performance Pieces, For The Discerning Psychological Entertainer www.psychicmentality.com |
caigy Inner circle England 1199 Posts |
Hi Zephury,
I find Mark Traversoni's 'Card Scarf' a very useful and practical bit of kit. http://www.saturnmagic.co.uk/saturn-magi......oni.html The six pockets are ideal for holding more than just decks of cards and I actually keep a jumbo coin and a stack of my Anniversary Waltz replacements in a couple of them....plus, apart from possibly fitting a topit using a few safety-pins, there is no need to modify your jackets Highly recommended. Paul Mc.
Exclusive Worldwide Producer and Supplier of the Grismer Lock.
Top Class, Individually Crafted Performance Pieces, For The Discerning Psychological Entertainer www.psychicmentality.com |
jay leslie V.I.P. Southern California 9498 Posts |
I carry 17 pounds of stuff just for close-up… With that being said, I usually per4form the same 5 tricks over and over.
With that said, I think Zephury, you have the cart before the horse. I would do the magic that gets (you) the best response and then, if it requires a topit, pull or whatever THAT”S the time to add same. The mechanical mind would say “Form Follows Function” . What if I wanted to make a rabbit box with a M^^^^r AND Black A^^. See? First you determine what’s going to work then you build the show along those lines. If you’re just worried about carrying a few packs of cards then get card holders that clip onto your belt.
Jay Leslie
www.TheHouseOfEnchantment.com |
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