HaHaHa.. just kidding…

Seriously though – that is something to think about… alot of guys do card trick after card trick… and while layfolk may find them fun…… after the 4th or so trick, its all “just card tricks” to them. They lose the wow factor. I hate to make this analogy, but doing the same type of effect over and over in different methods is what keeps the public seeing us as “cheesy used car salesmen of entertainment”

I know many will disagree with me … but think about the psychology behind it – after a few card effects, the laypersons perception of what you do blends into one LONGGGGG event that due to the time, seems boring after a bit… rather than mixing up non card stuff to keep that subconscious link from forming…

Its the same way with food… eat a slice of pizza… its great… on the 4th slice, its ehghh… loses the wow factor. That is exactly why lay people will say, “I saw that one before” even when you just bring out a deck of cards. They say it because to them, a lot of it is exactly the same. There is often no “flavor” placed in magic routines.

Treat magic like food – load it up with spice and variety to keep the mental tastebuds stimulated.

While the roar of applause may have you feeling great about performing that effect, you may be doing yourself damage without even knowing it.

When performing the effect, did you make it your own or did you simply “rinse and repeat” the canned routine?

Now don’t get me wrong, there is a place for using battle-proven routines. However, all too many times magicans make that the norm and thier shows are nothing more than a strung together series of SOMEONE ELSE’S material. 

To be truly professional and unique, you need to take those effects and turn them into something of your own. New patter, new handlings, new reveals… take the original and MAKE IT EVEN BETTER.

One example of this is the magician Tim Ellis. He does the cups and balls, the 6 card repeat, and many of the other “old classics”.  HOWEVER – take some time and look at his performances on You Tube and you will see truly original creations. The effects are not the typical, watch the ball go from this cup to that cup… or the “how many cards do I have now? still six!!!” He took those effects and made them his own and in turn is seen as a truly entertaining ORIGINAL performer.

So ask yourself this – “How can I make this effect better and something people have not seen before?”

Your magic will only get better if you do…

Sadness for the loss of such a legend in magic and busking. Sadness that a man so talented is now gone.

Guilt for those same reasons with the added fact that I should have made more of an effort to experience his magic while he was still living.

Folks… there are only a  few legendary magicians left in this world. Let’s make sure we do not wait to experience thier talents and gifts of magic. They are here on this Earth with a gift for all of us.

Rest in peace Jim. You will not be forgotten…

What can you do to help stop this spreading of exposure? Is there someone you know that often tips the trick? Educate them.

Baltimore is a city rich in culture and tourism. Why not give it a look?

Johnson Precision Magic
Johnson is considered to be the best maker of commercial coin gaffs. They have been around for a very long time and have a commitment to quality that surpasses any other commercial maker. The fit and finish of their coins are so close to the custom makers that unless you are looking for special coins (antique silver dollars for example) Johnson is the way to go. I think you would have an incredibly difficult time finding any magician with something bad to say about Johnson products. The downside to Johnson is that not every magic shop carries them, and they are usually priced higher than most other makers. MagicVault is proud to be a Johnson dealer and can supply you with any of their items.

Tango
Tango is an Argentinean company that has recently gained more of a presence in the U.S. They offer a very wide selection of items. In fact, in addition to the common gaffs, they offer many unique items and gaffs that are exclusive to Tango. Many times these unique items are common gaffs tweaked in ways that the founder of Tango feels adds more value or ease of use. The quality of Tango items is very good. Not quite as good as Johnson. The fit and finish of the gaffs are of quality, but if you place them next to a Johnson, you will notice a difference. Sometimes the edging and milling is a little rougher, or there is a little more gap in a shell. Nothing major, but still a difference. Where Tango does fall short is the included instructions with gaffs. They are horrible. They are written in very broken English that often leaves unfamiliar magician unclear about the use or method of handling. If you order a Tango item, either know how to use it, or know that you can work with a fellow magician to get the handling down. MagicVault does carry various Tango items we feel are of merit. We do not carry the entire line as we suggest magicians purchase Johnson when possible. Pricewise, Tango is very close to Johnson – usually about 10-20% lower.

Roy Kueppers
You occasionally find gaffs made by Kueppers. Kueppers is actually a custom maker but supplied gaffs commercially. These gaffs are well made. Kuepper also makes various coin utility items such as coin benders. Kueppers is on par with Tango and priced similarly. If you cannot get a Johnson, Kueppers is a decent alternative. Be careful as some dealers tend to sell Kueppers at a high price comparable to Johnson.

Sterling
You do not see Sterling too often these days. Due to the dominance of Johnson and Tango, Sterling has become a lesser known maker. Sterling offers a decent quality – but again a definite noticeable difference when compared among Johnsons. They are much lower in price, and do have a narrow product line that is mostly limited to shells and nested coins. MagicVault does not carry Sterling at this time.

Sasco
Sasco gaffs are where you start getting into the low cost economy coins. Sasco, while inexpensive, often lacks the quality and detail fit and finish that working professionals and picky amateurs require. They are perfectly fine for beginners looking to get a few gaffs to learn and practice with, but in all honesty we suggest taking that money and putting towards one of the better made gaffs. The prices are not that much lower that it creates a huge spread. Sasco has been getting better at quality and hopefully they will grow to the point of being on the same level as Tango.

No Name Makes
These are usually gaffs made overseas. They are made in bulk lots in a very quick and sloppy manner. They often have rough edges, gaps in milling work, sloppy fit, etc. They look gaffed and spectators will notice. Stay away from the coin gaffs that are no name brand. You will be wasting your money.

Schoolcraft or Lassen
As we mentioned at the start of this article, custom makers are the absolute best in terms of quality fit and finish. Schoolcraft and Lassen are the premier makers of custom coins. Be prepared to spend a great deal of money – however you will have a gaff set that holds its value and performs flawlessly. If you are a working profession that relies on coin work and are making a good living doing magic – these are for you. Amateurs with some extra cash and desire to have the best – take a look at them also. Anyone else – stick to Johnson. Johnson will not disappoint you.

 Folks, basically what it comes down to is that if you are a person that wants the absolute best, go with Schoolcraft or Lassen. If you are happy with a quality commercial gaff and not looking to spend a fortune, go with Johnson with Tango as a secondary.

Dan Sperry Performs \”lifesaver\” At The Magic Castle

A friend of mine, Danny Hustle, stated it perfectly:

“Here is a guy who just so frigging gets it. The contrast of each layer of that performance is amazing. Here is a guy who LOOKS like he would eat razor blades. Instead he pulls out an innocent lifesaver. That I’m sure played a part in why he chose the Perry Como soundtrack to go with it. Just the JARRING juxtaposition of his character combined with the music and the lifesavers is hysterical. His barely cadged animal ticks and silent asides REALLY build the tension until he yanks that sucker out of his neck. What a GREAT little piece of theater!

This is a guy who knows his character incredibly well and is so open minded as to the world around him. taking it all in and not passing judgment, but finding interest in anything on things. I think of how far this performance would have fallen short if he did it to a NIN or ChemLab soundtrack which would have made much more sense to his character but would have lost all the cheekiness. I just love this performance, Sperry is a real thinker and a great entertainer.

There is a lot to be learned there if you have an open mind.”

What is your persona?
What sets you apart and makes your magic memorable?
What juxtapositions can you work in to create impact?

Some things to think about as we all journey down this road of magic…

Beyond that, lets be thankful for the way magic has allowed all of us to see past what is mundane and ordinary and look at the potential for what is extraordinaty – for what aspects play out as amazing. Magicians often see the world differently – and for that, I know I am thankful.

On a different note…

MagicVault Store has added a few new features!  You now have the ability to create a wish list and a gift registry!  With the wish list you can easily create a list of items you want and save that list for future reference. With the gift registry you can create a list of items and have our store email that list to others! The best part is, the list tracks what is purchased so those on the registry can see what you still need/like that others have not purchased for you! Great for Birthdays and Holidays!

I have also been busy personally with magic. I have decided to focus on a series of effects with razor blades and other gruesome objects. I guess the spooky halloween is coming out in me!

I had the opportunity to spend some time with Aldo and Rachel Columbini. Wow what a great pair of magicians! Not only is the magic strong, but the comedy is insane! Two of the warmest down to earth people I have met. Kudos Aldo and Rachel!

Things are going great. Magic is growing. People are being amazed. Thats what its all about…

Magicians are a dying breed. Let’s face it, you do not hear of many kids asking for a magic kit for Christmas any more. You rarely see talent shows where there is a magician unlike shows of the past, where magic was a talent that was proudly practiced and used to entertain many. Today, magic exists at the mainstream level in mostly the form of television where without live unstooged audiences; the camera is often the magician. Video footage of rock-star like performers walking across the open air between buildings, footage of levitation over Vegas buildings, and more populate the internet. Too often the video editors are the magicians. Spectators become accustomed to magic being “insanely glamorized” and “over the top”. With actors such as Criss Angel, magic did receive a small temporary influx of younger people looking to claim a small piece of the hype and glamour that was generated (mostly via the video magicians!). Luckily this buzz from the media rock-star “magicians” is quieting down. For the most part (with some exception of course) those that came to magic as a result of these video enhanced entertainers, ended up having a short lived interest in magic once they saw it required work. Where does that leave us today? The magic community continues to struggle for members. Magic clubs are facing dwindling numbers as the older magicians retire and stop coming. As magicians, we need to find a way to rekindle the interest in magic!

I present to the magic community a few ideas and challenges to help foster magic…

1. Give the gift of magic. Forget the newest toy that will sit in a closet, or that eats batteries like a chubby kid downs cake… give magic! There are many quality magic kits for children, and even adults. Buy someone a magic kit and spend some time with them creating something special! (Maintain a follow-up with them afterwards).
2. Bring a buddy. We all know at least ONE person that loves watching our magic and often say “I’d love to be able to do that”. Well, why not help them do it! Become a mentor to someone new you bring into magic. Remember how you felt when you did your first effect? Share that joy with others and teach them to become “magical”.
3. Take pride and become magically involved. Is there a talent show at your school? DO MAGIC! Golf buddies having a party? Offer to perform strolling magic for them. Plain and simple – do more magic. If you are feeling extra ambitious, volunteer to teach a community magic class. Many communities have recreational activity centers that hold various classes. What better way to share your love of magic!

Now granted we have to take into consideration the ethics of magic and not reveal true secrets unless the students are serious about learning… but there are many effects and techniques that can be shown to garner that interest and grow it.

In the end, I feel that it is our job to make this community grow – something all of us have been very lax about over the past years. Let’s change that going forward and fuel resurgence in magic. Make it your goal to bring at least ONE new person into magic over the next several months.