I'd like a stage sized set of Chinese sticks that allow string to be tied at their backs, which I would want to cut during a routine. Any suggestions? thank you.

Jim

Get the great set made by Norm Nielsen Magic, they are out currently but will be making more just for you.

http://nnmagic.com/magicitems/stagemagicpage_al.htm

Those are really nice.

Call me JJ and I'll hook you up.

In maybe 2-3 weeks I will have some of the Benson-replica sticks ready.

Sounds like an embarrassment of riches. Thanks, everyone.

Jim

I am looking as well and it looks like the "news" is good.

Charlie

I've always loved the Chinese sticks. My favorite were the "Ming Dynasty Sticks" by Zanadu which are unfortunately no longer available.

Hooked up, as promised!

JJ and I will be sharing 3 sets of Mikame sticks so we will each get 3 sticks.


I've never used this routine in my life but I look forward to adding it to my kids and busking show for a number of years to see where it takes me. I figure if I can entertain an audience with this I'll be well on my way.

I think this is one of the harder tricks to make entertaining.

How's that work Frank? You pull the string down in Davis and the other end goes up in L.A.?
Cool!

Hahahahahaha, thanks Jazzy Snazzy!

I'm looking forward to getting a set of the Benson style ones offerd by Nielson when they become available again.

:rotf: That was funny.

Jim and I had a good laugh about a couple funny places where the last pull comes from.

Just make your own.

Does anyone do the gag where the sticks are attached in the back with string? If so, how do you attach the string to the back of the sticks? Thanks.

Jim

Jim:

The Benson sticks have (had) a small screw on the back end for attaching the string.

Jim

There are several ways of attaching the cord: 1) a hole larger than the cord is drilled and the cord is fed into the hole and a wooden plug is jammed into the hole. this creates a friction fit. 2) a screw (as mentioned above) is used instead of the wooden plug...this make s a more secure attachment.
3) two holes are drilled in each stick. The one hole on the end of the stick is smaller. A second hole is drilled adjacent side. this second hole is large enough to pass a knot thru'

In practice, the cord is threaded thru' the smaller whole and out thru' the larger one. A knot is then tied in the end of the cord, and the cord is pulled back into the body of the stick. Because of the knot, the cord is securely attached. After the show, the small pieces are removed and it's re-strung.

JNeal

This is one trick that really defines the reason I became a magician. My father was the first to show it to me with a set of "brass" sticks. I became enthralled and still perform it to this day though with the plastic variety most magic shops offer. I definately want a better set, one of my friends keeps telling me to make a set but I like the Nielsen set. I agree with Frank, it's a hard "sell" but my "reason for doing this trick" stems from my memories as a young magician.


Charlie

Charlie,
You might be able to talk Frank out of his extra set of three.
Thanks, Jonathan, for the various methods. I like the two hole method as it feels cleaner.
Do you think it is necessary to have the cord in the back match the fancier cord in the front?

Jim

I just use magicians wax to attach the string to ends of the sticks.

Randi

Thanks, Randi. Good idea. But I want to drop one of the sticks and let it dangle from the other via the cord and I think the weight would pull it from the wax.

Jim