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The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Finger/stage manipulation » » Zombie Ball- Al Schneider gimmick (6 Likes) Printer Friendly Version

The_MetalMaster
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Veteran user
Indiana
362 Posts

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Can anybody recommend me a Zombie Ball that comes with a gimmick wire that is flexible so I can make the Al Schneider gimmick? Almost all gimmicks that come with Zombie Balls have zero flexibility to them. The Viking Zombie Ball came with a gimmick that is somewhat flexible but still really difficult to manipulate the coil that I need to tighten around my finger. Thanks so much for your help!
David Todd
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Inner circle
2855 Posts

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I've never had one that isn't flexible enough to bend. (but I haven't purchased one in over 30 years !)
I would just go to the hardware store or the craft/hobby store and look for the kind of material you need to use that is flexible enough to make one in the configuration you desire.
FrankFindley
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Quote:
On Mar 16, 2025, The_MetalMaster wrote:
a gimmick that is somewhat flexible but still really difficult to manipulate the coil that I need to tighten around my finger. Thanks so much for your help!


Instead of tightening the coil you can try wrapping paracord perpendicular to the coil. This can provide a tighter fit while also providing padding.
Alan Munro
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Kentwood, Michigan, USA
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I'd contact Losander. He's produced gimmicks that do away with the coil, that allow for a more natural handling. He puts a curve into them to make them more deceptive.
David Todd
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Quote:
On Jul 27, 2025, Alan Munro wrote:
I'd contact Losander. He's produced gimmicks that do away with the coil, that allow for a more natural handling. He puts a curve into them to make them more deceptive.


Agreed. The Losander gimmick (basically same as Tommy Wonder's gimmick) allows much better handling , imo.
I don't see the gimmick alone listed as an item on Losander's website, but he might have them available. If you get his video on Zombie,
you can basically see how to make on your own with pliers. It's called "The Zombie Ball" by Losander. Originally was on DVD , but now
out of print. You might find one on eBay. At one time I think Losander had it available as a digital download (mp4 file) on his website, but I don't
see it now on his website. Email him to ask if you can pay for it and have him send you the mp4 file.
Frank Simpson
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Special user
SW Montana
886 Posts

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Late to the party, but a couple of observations.
The Losander and Schneider gimmicks are very different from each other, and designed to be performed using different techniques, even though the latter gave rise to the former.
As far as a wire to make your own, I recommend using a 3/32" diameter copper-clad welding rod. You can get a tube of them at Harbor Freight very reasonably. It is easily cut with a small pair of bolt cutters, and though normally rigid, it can be bent into the desired configuration without too much effort.
It takes paint well, but I actually cover mine with a hollow-core shoelace. Heat shrink tubing works well too, but the fabric of a shoelace "hides" better.
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Finger/stage manipulation » » Zombie Ball- Al Schneider gimmick (6 Likes)
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