Anniversary Walts by Josh Burch and Craig Petty

Anniversary Walts: A Detailed Analysis for Magicians

Effect

The Anniversary Walts is a coin magic routine utilizing four custom-shaped guitar picks to replicate the appearance and function of traditional coins. The core effect involves a series of seemingly impossible transpositions and penetrations, culminating in a coin appearing to vanish and reappear in unexpected locations – including within a deck of cards. The presentation aims for a blend of classic coin magic aesthetics with the added novelty of using everyday guitar picks.

Full Details

This trick, developed by Josh Burch and Craig Petty, centers around the “Super Picks.” These are four molded plastic guitar picks, two of which are white and black (resembling Scotch and Soda picks), and one uniquely colored pick. The instructional video, approximately one hour in length, provides detailed instructions on adapting classic coin magic routines to utilize these picks. The routine incorporates several established techniques, including in-the-hands transpositions, examinable variations, and a signature penetration effect. Specifically, the routine demonstrates:

• Thanks to Roth: An in-the-hands transpo where the picks move between the magician’s hands, culminating in a spectator receiving one of the picks.
• Transpo Variation: A more demonstrably examinable transpo effect, designed to build confidence in the method.
• Penetration Effect: The central and most visually striking element. A pick appears to pass through a coaster and then a glass, ultimately finding a selected card within a deck.
• Anniversary Walts & Spellbound Pocket Space: Two simpler routines designed to showcase the versatility of the picks and their portability.

The video emphasizes that the picks are not gimmicked or gaffed; they are simply standard guitar picks with subtly altered shapes to facilitate the magic.

Who Should Consider the Trick

The Anniversary Walts is most appealing to magicians who already possess a foundational understanding of coin magic principles. The routine relies on established techniques like palming, false transfers, and French drops, which are readily adaptable to the unique shape of the guitar picks. It’s particularly well-suited for performers who frequently find themselves in musical environments or who already carry guitar picks, as the routine feels more natural and less cumbersome in those contexts. David of Magic Orthodoxy notes that the appeal is limited to those who would naturally carry guitar picks, suggesting a niche market.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The difficulty level is categorized as low. The core techniques – palming, false transfers, and French drops – are considered basic coin magic skills. The primary challenge lies in adapting these techniques to the slightly different shape and size of the guitar picks. The video provides clear instructions and demonstrations, making the routine accessible to magicians with some prior experience. The penetration effect, while visually impressive, requires careful execution and misdirection. The overall presentation is designed to be relatively straightforward, prioritizing ease of performance over complex sleight of hand.

What Magicians Say

David of Magic Orthodoxy, in his review, expresses a positive assessment of the concept and execution. He highlights the quality of the picks and the thoroughness of the instructional video. He states, “Josh bur and Craig Petty have come up with some fun creative ways to do classic copper silver effects but with a more everyday more approachable item.” He acknowledges the limited appeal, stating, “I think this might only appeal to people who it would make sense to carry right.” He also notes the examinability of the white and black picks, which is a key element of building audience confidence. He concludes that the $30 price point is justifiable given the quality of the materials and the instructional content, adding, “it is $30 and at the end of the day like I said you're only getting four guitar picks and they are not gimmicked they're not gimmicked they're just they are just guitar picks.”