Wow I love this effect!

I have just bought one as I find it a great change of pace in my illusion show.
It's simple and pure to follow yet beautifull as so many of the best routines are.

Does anyone have any hints or tips for me?

Many Thanks

Paul Dabek

Have fun with it. Add a cut/no cut scissor to it. That will get a lot of laughs with the right jokes to it.

Michael

What is the name of the rope that you use. And where can I get one?

MDS

Pavel's Walking knot is hella crazy when I bought it like 5 years ago I was way tripped out because of the gimmick. I had no idea when I bought it how it was done and I was really suprised by the quality and the amount of work that must have gone into it. I perform it silently to music. I think there is too much heat on the rope to have someone come-up and try to make a comedy routine out of it though it can be done.

THAT TRICK RAWKS!!! It's one of my all time favs to perform in my show. I do it to music also to a bass loop I made in Acid and its themed around an upright bass lick and stuff, it gets a killer reaction because it's so clean! But a back-up as soon as you get the money because I've already worn out one and I'm sure you'll do the same because it's so versatile.

Sperris

J Scott Berry's use of the rope to poetically describe imagination, creativity and magic is wonderful for a think piece.

You really need to consider, for routine, what the rest of your show says.

I have used the idea, in the moves I can suggest, asking whether to move left of right -- taking the suggesstion and moving the other way (my left) -- then double taking the audiences suggestion and moving saying "Oh -- you meant my OTHER left." It is an excuse to move the full length of the rope. I then return to the center to heal the original cut. Fills the performing area better that way.

I have seen it done by John Buddy and it was great. I loved it. Very visual....

Michael

I have been in shows with both Jay Scott Berry and Pavel and seen two very different presentations of it. Both times it blew me away. I am so pleased with mine it's gone straight into my show. I use it as a bridge for my evening show because I open with a good 10 mins all to musiic it is hard to switch directly to patter so I perform it with background music and minimal patter just asking a member of the audience to say stop. It's a great change of pace for my show two as my opening act is very fast and flashy it is good two follow it up with something smoother, slower and purer yet just as jaw dropping.

Regards

Paul Dabek

There are a lot of magicians out there that are blowing this effect with crappy presentation. I won't name names, but I have seen several.

I noticed that there are a few versions: two length (6 or 18 feet), one with 3 cuts and one with much more. What do you recommend?

I think for silent acts, the simplified walking knot is much easier and safer to perform. It only has four parts as compared to the super walking knot which has about 16. The rope is lighter and less risky. I have the three versions.
For audience participation, or with patter, the super walking knot is best.
By the way, any suggestions for music titles you use with this prop for a silent act. Currently, I use the "boink" music which Jeff McBride uses for his balloon act in his instructional tape on stage magic.

Hey Paul,

If I were you I would perform it with dark blue glasses and talk about Albert Einstein. Just be careful not to do it when I am backstage.

Regards,

D

No david I thought I would do torn and restored magazine with a snowstorm finish ; ) Hope you are well.

Does anyone know if Pavel has a web site?

Yes http://www.pavelmagic.com
hope this helps

Yes, thanks.

I too am curious about the simplified vs super walking. Anyone?

The simplified has 3 cuts and the super has much more. Bought are the same lengths (18 feet). Prices - $85 for the simplified, $240 for the super.

Are both the same thickness? I've seen this performed with a very thick rope.

I bought one (I guess the simplified - it was about $80 if I remember right) and what came to me was a thin piece of cheap, stiff rope. Also the gimmicks were very poorly painted. It was such junk I sent it back. Not sure what happened, I expected quality. Maybe a knock-off??? Mr Tillford refunded my money; but was not very nice about it.

In a silent routine I would go with the 3 cut version. For a speaking routine where the audience tells you where to cut, I would go with the full version.

Hope that helps.

Kevin