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Keymaster by Craig Petty

Created by: Craig Petty

Keymaster is a highly visual close-up magic trick created by Craig Petty, where a magician uses gaffed keys to perform impossible feats such as making holes appear, disappear, move, or multiply in the spectator's own hands. This can include routines like key bending, transpositions with coins or other objects, and even integrating elements like business cards or strings for a mind-blowing finale. It's designed as a portable act that fits on a keychain, with customizable keys that can be cut to fit real locks, making it versatile for impromptu performances. The trick includes multiple routines that can be combined into a 15-20 minute act, suitable for walkaround, table-hopping, or parlor settings, and is examinable and instantly resettable for live shows. Buyers should note that it requires practice to master the gimmick and timing, and it may involve limited availability or the need for specific gimmicked keys.

Where to buy

Keymaster by Craig Petty from Monster Magic
Monster MagicKeymaster by Craig Petty£49.99
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Key features

  • Highly visual and commercial close-up magic with strong audience reactions

  • Includes 10 routines and a new gimmick for a full, portable act

  • Keys are customizable and examinable, with instant resetability

  • Suitable for magicians of all skill levels, though practice is needed for timing

  • Can be integrated with everyday objects for organic presentations

Pros

  • Strong visual impact and crowd-pleasing effects

  • Portable and versatile for various performance settings

  • Extensive tutorials with over two hours of material

  • Examinable props enhance credibility

  • Multiple routines allow for creative customization

Cons

  • Requires practice to master the gimmick and timing

  • Limited availability may affect accessibility

  • Reliance on gimmicked keys could limit spontaneity in some situations

Effect

Keymaster is a close-up magic trick where a magician uses keys to create impossible visual transformations. Holes in keys move, vanish, or multiply while the spectator holds them. The keys can also change shape or duplicate. The effect is direct and happens in the spectator's hands, making it highly interactive and baffling.

Full details

Keymaster includes four custom keys and a gimmick. The keys are made of metal and can be cut to fit real locks. The gimmick allows for instant resets and examinable props. The tutorial provides over two hours of material, including 10 routines. These routines can be combined into a full 15 to 20 minute act. The latest version features smaller, more realistic keys and a blank key for added versatility. All props are portable and fit on a keychain.

Who should consider the trick

Keymaster is suitable for magicians who perform close-up magic. It works well in walkaround, table hopping, or strolling situations. The trick is ideal for professionals who need a reliable, visual act that can be carried easily. It is also good for magicians who want to build a longer routine from one prop. Beginners can learn it, but practice is required to master the timing and handling.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

Keymaster requires practice to master the gimmick and timing. The moves are not complex, but smooth performance depends on rehearsal. The tutorial is extensive and covers all details. Craig Petty states that the method is easy to learn but emphasizes the importance of practice for natural handling. The trick is examinable and resetable instantly, which reduces difficulty during performances.

What magicians say

Tyler Lunsford calls Keymaster one of Penguin Magic's best-selling effects of the year. He praises its "nothing on you" premise and strong visual impact. Craig Petty rates Keymaster 100% and says it has been a staple in his repertoire for 15 years. He highlights its examinability and resetability as key features for live performances. Penguin Magic notes that Keymaster is highly commercial and has a reputation for "destroying audiences" due to its visceral impact.

What people are saying about Keymaster

AlakazamMagicUK says...

Ideal for professional magicians, the routine is highly visual, commercial, and adaptable to any close-up setting. While the gimmick and timing take effort to master, the payoff is a crowd-pleasing act.

magic-tv (from 5x5 episode) says...

Craig performs and breaks down his 'Keymaster' routine, highlighting audience management and reaction elevation, with pros including real-world flexibility and strong reactions.

magic-tv (from competition review) says...

Andrew Niner's 'Keymaster' routine stood out for its unique security-themed presentation, praised for creativity and engagement.

magic-tv (from Craig Petty's deep dive) says...

Craig rates it 100%, calling it a staple in his repertoire for 15 years, with routines that are examinable and resetable, making it perfect for live performances.

magic-tv (from live performance commentary) says...

Highlights quick visual magic, emphasizing the importance of audience interaction, timing, and adapting to the environment for strong reactions.

magic-tv (from trailer summary) says...

The trick is highly visual and commercial, with 10 routines included, allowing performers to create a 15-20 minute act. A new gimmick is introduced, enhancing the original effect.

penguinmagicshop says...

A key-bending routine with a reputation for 'destroying audiences' due to its visceral impact.

penguinmagicshop (from top 10 list) says...

Billed as an entire act that lives on your keychain, featuring effects like moving and vanishing holes in a spectator's hands.

Tyler Lunsford says...

A revamped version of the classic key bend, using gaffed keys for visual plucks and hole duplications. Tyler calls it one of Penguin Magic’s best-selling effects of the year, praising its 'nothing on you' premise.

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