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Hey, I am interested in getting a levitation and I keep on seeing this Gamolo Levitation always on sale on the Magic Auction for around $2,000-$3,000.

I am interested in this one particular levitation, and Im not sure if it is the Gamolo or not. Could any one help me?


This levitation that has been performed by David Copperfield many times is the same levitation I am looking for:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1B-rptiL11I

Is this the Gamolo, or Aga, ow what is it?

I am looking for a levitation that:
- Does NOT use a board under the assistant
- Does NOT need a special backdrop
- Can pass a hoop through girl
- No special lighting requirements

What levitation would this be that I am looking for, and where can I buy it?

Copperfields classic american in paris Levitation is a combination of so many methods! ( the maskelyne/devant/ keller/ thurston/blackstone being just one of them)


you will never be able to do it.

Ive sugested elsewhere, that you invest in a copy of the armstrong encyclopedia of levitations and suspensions.

this will show you the impracticalities presented in traveling with something as large a scale as this.

Dale is quite right... and the Gomolo as well as the "Lighter than Air" are huge, heavy and royal P.I.A.s as are the majority of Aga systems.

If you are new to big illusions and want something that's easy to deal with, then look very close at suspensions instead such as the classic Broom or Sword. There are version of the Asrah that could be practical to your needs but they have problems as well and you really need a good coach to help you smooth it out in performance.

All levitations has their draw backs, angles being the biggest with weight coming in second. Once you've looked over the aforementioned book however, you will also see ways that you can modify certain items that can be found in various hardware & tool stores so as to meet your needs.

Here's a link to the Gomolo (the new design) sold via Stevens here in the states http://www.stevensmagic.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=6972

I really can't say it loud enough... this just isn't practical for the newbie to big illusions... you will need some serious set control as well as lighting and of course, appropriate sized backdrops... so $3,000.00 for the main prop plus another $4,000.00 for back-set & basic lighting... add in DAYS and WEEKS of repetitive rehearsal, girls falling off the thing... the thing tipping over with the girl on it, etc. (brings back so many fond memories )

Yes, I am deliberately trying to scare you away from it... Joe does have a neat unit for around the same price, with fewer support requirements in which the girl moves around you while in the air... I think it's actually less expensive than the Gomolo. I'm not familiar with the mechanics but I've been told it's fairly clean and easy to deal with. Another to look into (if you're a big guy and strong) is the Siros Suspension... I stress however, you best have a strong back in that YOU really are holding up the girl... one of the reasons it's such a rare bird... but it packs in a suit case and has a total weight of around 50 pounds. The best source for it would be Bill Smith or Owens however.

Lots to think about...

Yes, I am already getting this book to lean more about levitations..
'encyclopedia of levitations and suspensions'

I know its difficult, but Why does everyone have to put things in a negative way? It costs $3,000, and is 70lbs.

Everyone has to say so many negative things so others don't get it.
I understand it involves a lot of work, and Im not going to get it and start performing right away. I am getting illusions 1 by 1. So, thats just until I get all of them and then start preparing for the show.
I'm sure they are expensive and hard to do, but then answer this, How did you get them? You wanted it in your show didn't you?.. So, asked questions about it and thought it was good to buy and you bought it. Overcame the issues of the illusion and now performing it at shows. So, why cant I over come these issues too?
I like solving problems. I am someone who like facing challenges and dangers.

I am interested in that levitation, the video I posted above.
I read about the Gamolo, and It sounds really good.

I want to know if the video above is the Gamolo (Not being the part where the curtain rises and you can see behind.)
I know you cant do that.
But, the way its presented; The girl lays on a table/bed, then rises with no board, and pass a hoop, and she comes back down onto the bed/table, and you can walk away or beside the girl while levitating.

Googled Gamolo Levitation, ( It's easy to do, maybe you could try? )

Found this:

http://www.dennisalm.com/4Med_Prog.wmv

Hope that helps.

Maybe people seem like they are putting you off.
They have been in the same situation and maybe they have discovered the problems for themselves and are trying to make you aware of them, before you spend $1000's.

You have asked for advice on illusions elsewhere. When you have been given advice, you don't seem to want to know, if it differs from what you want. I suggested that maybe you should by some build plans for illusions, so you get an idea of there workings, maybe helping to create a different version, once you understand more. Get as much knowledge FROM BOOKS AND PLANS on the technical side of different illusions, then YOU can decide what suits YOU and the show YOU want to put on.

Good advice Darrel

Magicislife, you are correct in that we are start somewhere. For me and big illusions, it was being cast in shows with other young people where a big company owned everything and we worked via script. I had directors, lighting techs, and all those other wonderful technical folks that helped me learn how to do my job. The majority of folks I know that moved down this path had a mentor that did the bigger stuff or else a job situation that placed them around it long before they started investing.

A shot search on me just on this forum and you'll find that I have a very unique background when it comes to grand illusions. What I say to you or anyone asking about moving into big illusions is not intended to be "negative" as you put it, but to challenge you to THINK things through before jumping into the deep end.

BTW... I have no clue where you got that the Gomolo weighs only 70 lbs... try multiplying that by at least 3 and you'll be much closer to it's true weight... I think the 70 lb reference you're making was my mention of the Siros Suspension system. In fact, most of your lower end "stock" illusions will come in at between 200 and 500 pounds each... even the Broom Suspension involves close to 100 lbs in apparatus... and YOU have to still be strong enough to pick the girl up!

You can buy any effect out there you want... I'll sell you a Shadow Vision if you want it... I think we could get Bill Smith to crank one out for you if you have the $20,000.00 or so it's going to cost... Of course, if you want a floating you may as well drop the $50,000.00 with John Gaughan and get yourself a Flying set-up just like Dave's...

I'm only being partly sarcastic here, the point being that just because you have the money to buy it don't mean it's practical to your needs or your market. If you really have a spare $3,000.00 to invest into your career goals then I'd suggest Business School and maybe get enrolled in some theater classes as well ... but especially Business School, so you can see how to plan out your investments and how to actually BUILD a business.

Believe me... owning or having access to millions of dollars of equipment does not mean you will get the work... that is a fact I can state from direct experience.

A simple, even more stunning solution to levitation is this one.

(Deleted by Mods - as are the other 4 adverts for this same system)

It is by far the most practical, awe inspiring stage illusion of levitation rising upwards, and, yet, can be performed at house parties.

I use it all of the time, and it's truly amazing!

I will shed some more light on the subject and Gomolo. But please note that I do not have it and I have not used it and this could be a negative against me. But I did some research to buy it and this I am sharing here.

You have to start somewhere with an illusion and this is not a bad one. Though most people would probably buy a Head Chopper (I did) or Sword Through Neck but I hate that idea as both are torture illusion.

I have the "Encyclopedia of Levitations and Suspensions"it is an excellent book but not the last word. No book can, be as technology changes everyday. Don't get me wrong, this is a collectors item and there are many ideas in this book which are being used by magicians all over the world. But other different techniques have developed ever since.

Gamolo was invented by Gale Molvinsky and it is patented so you can get the reference here: http://www.google.com/patents/about?id= ... ion+device

Basically it works on the Super X principle but instead of being a suspension it is a levitation. Earlier version was on AC but now there is a battery version. The assistant rises to a height of five feet from floor. It Packs Down into a suitcase 32" x 32" x 5" with handles and mounted on sturdy rollers. It will easily fit in the trunk of a car and weighs 70 pounds.

Due to the Super X principle the backdrops and lights etc. are not required but you would know what the limitations are.

Two drawbacks: It seems the Masked Moron has exposed it on Fox. It is being sold at USD 3000. This second one might not be a problem for you but I though have the desire to have it cannot spend so much. I cannot comment on noise and jerks etc as I have not used it.

Buy it, try it and send me a PM to share you experience.

All the best!!

Does anyone know of someone based in the UK in possession of a Gamolo who might be willing to hire it for a music video shoot?

Many thanks!

Ruth

Try contacting Scott Penrose, he's a magic consultant on many films and TV programmes - currently on BBC1's The Magicians. Scott's website is http://www.stagemagician.com/