talkmagic.co.uk

Hi guys. I'm new to this site so bear with me eh?
I dabbled a few years ago and concentrated on sleights (cards mainly, coins a little) with no gimmicks. I've just got the bug again but got fascinated with what I heard about the Raven and (possibly prematurely) ordered one to see if it could produce results. Its not with me yet, but now I'm seeing 'Raven Coin Kits'. Can the Raven be used with ordinary (ie borrowed) English coins? And can it help me build on my basic Coin skills or am I better off going back to building on the basic sleights I learned and probably need to learn all over again?
Like I say, I'm picking up again so sorry for the question about a product that's been around a while now. It's still new to me

Hi Hanman and welcome to TM.

There are a number of post about the Raven and some very recent ones too. I would recommend looking for the Raven using the search function.

Many of the experienced magicians here seem to use more purist methods (sleights) and from what you say about your recent experience then you may be a little disapointed.

Thanks dat. Look forward to many a good chat on here.

I'll have a search through he previous posts but I agree, the ones I've seen so far don't look too promising.

I'll give it a go when it arrives and see how I feel about it....

Cheers for the prompt reply mate.

Welcome to TM!

Welcome bud .... consider yourself under our wing!

Welcome to the forums!

I would say the old adage is true... 'you have to walk before you can run' So concentrate on those basics, and you'll get the more advanced skills easily.

Cheers,

Welcome, I hope you enjoy it here!

Cheers guys! I feel welcome already!

I'll give the Raven a look when it arrives but I think I'll dust off the old RRTCM as my main aid for now.

Any other books/DVD's that you strongly recommend for Card skills/manipulations? I know it'll be a well-worn topic, but since we've started this thread for a newcomer...

For card manipulations, I dont personally think you can beat the Jeff McBride series. Bone cracking stuff some of it! For skills, I always refer to The Card College books...

I prefer pure sleights, but do also use gaffs, props, etc in my effects as well......I do have the raven, and it does do some very visually stunning things, but I don't find it really versatile with other things......so you may find you perform a few basic slights, and then when the specs start to get suspicious, and the heat is on, I find a raven vanish is very clean, very visual, and throws the specs completely for a loop!

Thanks for the info guys. I reckon I'm gonna like it here!
Well it turned up today and doesn't look like it'll be too much of a challenge, although I think it might be limiting in some respects. I'll post my thoughts once I've had more of a play...
I've just bought a DVD off of eBay called 'Show Off with Cards'. Anyone heard of it? I haven't, and I don't particularly like the title, but there's a great array of manipulations on it. I've only ever learnt from books before so I though a DVD might help?
Anybody come across this one before? If so, any thoughts?

Yep - I bought this a few months ago as it was recommended to me. I wanted to improve my card manipulation skills and thought that I;d give it a whirl.

I've learnt most of the first three chapters now but haven;t touched it for a while due to learning other bits and pieces.

It's taken a few knows from some of the card people who seem to like other titles but I like it. It's not too serious, has some good basic moves and I've found the teaching is quite user friendly.

I'd certainly recommend it - but I'm expecting others to follow this post with some less favourable comments

Sounds promising then dat. So long as I can get something out of it, then its not time & money wasted, and I'm happy.
I'm interested to see how learning from a DVD will compare to learning from a book. I assume that if its presented properly it should be much easier than following diagrams.....
If this goes well expect more posts asking for other DVD recommendations!

Cheers again.

I will be surprised if you don't get something out of this one.

People's main problem with theis DVD appears to not be the content, but who has released it. It's a MagicMakers product from memory and they're not too popular as they have a reputation of remarketing other people's work.

Other than that