Jan
31
2009
I was asked recently to describe the pros and cons of the different magic coin manufacturers and suggest an upgrade from the dime and penny effect. Below I talk about and compare SS Adams, Roy Kuepper, and Tango Magic - The three major magic coin manufacturers.
We are all drawn into coin magic by witnessing the simplest of magic tricks. Starting out with the dime and penny effect by royal magic is a great introduction to gimmicked coin magic. The only draw back is the set is obviously on the cheap side at under $5. You have several options for upgrading, each with their own unique pros and cons. My first suggestion is upgrading to the scotch and soda half dollar/english penny. The coins are larger and make the magic seem that much more impossible. That said, there are three major coin manufacturers to choose from:
The First - SS Adams Scotch and Soda Coin Set
This set is generally the cheapest you will find. But by saving a few dollars you are sacrificing quality as the coins production values are hit or miss and generally do not meet a very high level of quality. This may be a good practice set if you intend on being extremely rough with your new coins or don’t mind working with a set that may flash the method on occasion
The Second - Roy Kueppers Scotch and Soda Coin Set
Roy Keupper over the past several years has been acknowledged as the leader in coin quality and manufacturing. These coins are generally the highest in price, but it can be safely assumed that you are always going to get a quality product behind the name. However, I would not recommend spending the money on a Roy Keupper coin set unless you are performing at a professional level and have performance income coming in that can support the increased cost.
The Third - Tango Magic Scotch and Soda Coin Set
Tango Magic manufacturers their coins out of Argentina and has been second only to the Roy Kuepper coin line until very recently. A vast improvement in quality standards and packaging have now placed Tango Magic coins above that of the Roy Kuepper line. Their prices are much more in line with the average magicians budget and I personally use these coins within my own close-up routine.
Aside from choosing which brand fits you best, you need to also consider that the scotch and soda routine has two versions. One employs a traditional method and the other a magnetic coin set. I prefer the traditional version as it feels a little more hands on and actually works really well. The magnetic version will run a bit higher in price. But ultimately, you are paying for a coin set that should perform a bit better under pressure and conceal the secret to the trick a little more thoroughly.
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Jan
24
2009
Just listened to a Jay Noblezada interview where he talked about New Years resolution goals and encouraged listeners to take up an instrument and get out of the house and exercise. Wasn’t really sure what this had to do with magic, but it’s always fun to listen to a fellow magician coming into his success. Actually, the most interesting part of the interview for me was finding out that he is now in the San Diego area and practically right outside the shop’s backdoor. Who knows…I may be running into Jay within the local magic scene. I’d love to pick his brain about magic DVD productions like “Sponge.” Pretty exciting stuff!
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Jan
23
2009
Our first parcel to England was sent off today. It was a slightly comical affair as no one knew just how the address was to be filled properly. The cities, region, and area code are very different from that in America and I’m pretty sure that while the package will arrive in perfect condition, the recipient will be left wondering if a third grader addressed the label! Of course I’m exaggerating, but if you are from the states and REALLY bored, you should try googling how a letter should be properly addressed to international regions and see just how wonky the rest of the world is! Anyone else experience this?
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Jan
22
2009
I’ve been excited about having a blog within the magic shop for some time now! There are a lot of maintenance issues in running an online shop that have kept me from activating this blog until now. Things appear to be running smoothly and time now allows for regular postings here in the weeks to come. So bookmark this site and I’ll attempt to keep you entertained with the back door stories of running an online magic shop here in sunny Oceanside, CA! Thanks for stopping by and please leave your comments for posting!
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