There is no doubt that the last five or ten years has seen a massive increase in the number of effects put out which – on the trailer at least – are so visual that they look like a camera trick – and Chinese Tweezers is just such an effect. The question is does it perform so well in the real world? Here’s our review.
What is it?
The effect is simple – you appear to pull full sized dollar coins out of the ‘hole’ in a Chinese coin using a pair of tweezers! It is a lovely premise and when done well looks amazing.
What do you get?
All the necessary props (coins and tweezers) and a link to an instructional video which lasts only around 11 minutes.
The video tuition is necessarily limited (at that length) and has been shot with a single camera angle. The quality of the video is fine, but I would say that most magicians would benefit from a little more time and detail in the explanation since some of the moves are a little bit ‘knacky’.
If you are hoping for some special gaffed coins – which Tango has an amazing reputation for – you will be disappointed since this relies entirely on sleight of hand. That may also mean the price tag surprises you slightly…
What do we think?
You need a little set up to get in to the routine – and although a method is taught for getting into that in the middle of a longer set, I would have thought this works best as an opener. Not least because it is an excellent way of producing 3 (ordinary) coins for any other routine (3 Fly etc.) that you perform.
I love the whimsical nature of the effect – especially the little touches like the tweezers disappearing through the same hole – and when it is performed with competence it really is fantastically visual. (I’ve put the demo video at the end of this post so you can see for yourself.)
You will need to put in the practise to get it really good; and I would say that it was a little bit angley (the demo appears to show people all around – but I don’t really think that is possible).
If you like coin magic and are prepared to put in a little practise I think this is a visual gem.
Chinese Tweezers is available from the Merchant of Magic for £47.75 (at the time of writing).
Review copy kindly provided by Murphys Magic to whom dealer enquiries should be directed.
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