Runboard.com
Слава Україні!
We welcome thee to the Hocus Pocus Round Table. Thy stay and input are much appreciated!

runboard.com       Sign up (learn about it) | Sign in (lost password?)

 
John Mendoza Profile
Live feed
Blog
Friends
Miscellaneous info

Registered user

Registered: 10-2006
Posts: 17
Karma: 9 (+9/-0)
Reply | Quote
Dean's Triangle


I have had this wonderful item for about three weeks now and can speak about it from experience, having played with this thing literally every day since I got it.

First, for those not familiar with it, this is Dean Dill's latest offering and it is a version of the Coins Thru the Table, ending with two penetrations through a clear lucite table top.

First, I'll talk about the props themselves. The makers are a Who's Who of today's builders. The coins are beautifully made by Jamie Schoolcraft. You can order either 1964 all silver Kennedy Half Dollars or Walking Liberty coins. Since I prefer a nice bright, shiny coin, I opted for the Kennedy coins. The workmanship is outstanding. I don't want to give too much away, but the special gimmick has worked perfectly and reliably every time I've run through the trick. Next, is the table itself. If you haven't seen the photos, it looks like two triangles, one above the other, the upper one supported by two round chrome uprights. There are certain things about the table that are special, too, and, again, I don't want to reveal anything, but I'll simply say it is well made, although it appears to be of simple construction, by Doug Malloy. Finally, you receive the leather case which was made by Joe Porper. It is custom fitted for the prop and is typically Porper quality. I think the Who's Who list may account a little for the high price.

Now, I'll talk about the effect/routine itself. This is one of those rare effects that I really love and appreciate. Dean Dill has given all the details and work of a routine exactly as he performs it. So often in magic, we see "incomplete" tricks. The creator has an interesting idea and goes ahead and markets it before it is fully developed. A good example of this is Jeff Busby's "Into the Fourth Dimension." It was a very interesting idea with a very cluttered and awkward handling and presentation. It wasn't until Roy Walton fashioned "Card Warp" from the principle that the idea really became as good as it should have been. This complete routine (not just a trick,) by Dean is definitely as good as you'd hope for when you buy it.

Dean explains this four phase routine in detail on the included DVD. Each phase of the routine is progressively more baffling, so it builds to a very nice eye-popping finish as any good routine should.

Phase one involves showing both hands clearly empty (they are) except for three coins and a little clear bowl. The three coins are held by a spectator. The performer takes one of the coins and pushes it right through the table into the waiting bowl below.

Phase two takes this a step further. The two coins are held by the performer with the third already in the bowl. The coins are dropped on to the table and one visibly penetrates the table top and falls into the bowl.

Phase three gets really magical. The magician again shows both hands empty. He then removes the frame from the upper triangle. He then goes further and removed the red "pad" covering from the triangle revealing a clear lucite triangular top. One coin is spun onto the center of the clear table. The coin is covered with one hand and the other two coins dropped into the bowl. The performer lifts his hand and the coin goes right through the clear top into the bowl below. This part looks very magical.

Phase four involves the magician offering to show it one last time. Again, both hands are shown empty but for the three coins. The coins are placed on the clear table top and a spectator asked to choose one. The performer states that the selected coin will penetrate the table top, without cover. And, that's exactly what happens. The performer slaps the underside of the table top and it is seen that the chosen coin is now below the surface! Again, both hands are shown empty and the routine is concluded.

Now, what's amazing about this is that you WILL be doing this a few minutes after watching the DVD. Even a coin novice can master this well thought out routine in minimal time. You'll have to polish the presentation, but the actual mechanics is utterly easy and almost entirely sleight-free.

This is a great item, in my estimation. Does it have any downsides? Yes. I wish the table would have folded flat, rather than having to be disassembled and reassembled for performance. I can't see "building" the table in front of the audience, and once assembled it is much to unwieldy in shape to store in a close-up case. But, that's a minor downside. The other downside that some might find is the price. It IS expensive at $750.00 plus shipping. But, (and I know this is lame,) at least the price will keep it out of the hands of the curious.

If you can afford this, I would recommend it very highly.
1/8/2007, 10:20 am Link to this post Send Email to John Mendoza   Send PM to John Mendoza
 
DaveM NY Profile
Live feed
Blog
Friends
Miscellaneous info

Registered user

Registered: 01-2007
Posts: 1
Karma: 0 (+0/-0)
Reply | Quote
Re: Dean's Triangle


I just received Dean's Triangle. I haven't performed it for an audience yet, but I have gone through the routine and I'd like to say that Mr Mendoza's review is right on target.

This effect really is a masterpiece.
1/16/2007, 10:22 am Link to this post Send Email to DaveM NY   Send PM to DaveM NY
 
George Guerra Profile
Live feed
Blog
Friends
Miscellaneous info

Registered user

Registered: 09-2006
Location: Thousand Oaks, CA
Posts: 6
Karma: 6 (+6/-0)
Reply | Quote
Re: Dean's Triangle


This is my first purchase from Dean Dill and what a beautiful addition to my magic collection. I haven't been this enthusiastic since I bought U3F and I was never interested in coin magic.
1/27/2007, 7:01 am Link to this post Send Email to George Guerra   Send PM to George Guerra
 


Add a reply





You are not logged in (login)
Back To Top