Spellbound Pocket Space by Josh Burch and Craig Petty

Spellbound Pocket Space: A Detailed Analysis

Effect

The “Spellbound Pocket Space” trick presents a seemingly impossible feat: a guitar pick vanishes from the performer’s hand and reappears within a seemingly empty pocket. The effect is visually striking, creating an immediate sense of wonder and disbelief. The core of the illusion involves a concealed pocket within a garment, allowing the pick to be subtly transferred and hidden. The presentation is designed to appear as a simple, impromptu demonstration, enhancing the illusion of magic.

Full Details

This trick centers around the use of four custom-molded guitar picks – two white and two black – designed to mimic the appearance of standard picks. The core of the effect relies on a concealed pocket integrated into a performer’s clothing (likely a jacket or shirt). The instructional video, created by Craig Petty, demonstrates a series of coin magic routines adapted for these unique picks. The routines showcased include:

• Thanks to Roth: An in-the-hands transpo where the picks move between the performer’s hands, culminating in a spectator receiving one of the picks.
• Transpo Variation: A more demonstrative transpo effect, designed to allow for greater audience examination.
• Penetration Effect: This is the signature element. A pick appears to pass through a coaster and then a glass, ultimately landing inside a deck of cards where a selected card is revealed.
• Anniversary Walts & Spellbound Pocket Space: Two simpler routines utilizing the picks, designed to showcase their versatility.

The picks themselves are not gimmicked in the traditional sense – they are simply standard guitar picks with a subtle modification to accommodate the concealed pocket. The video emphasizes that these are not “gaffed” or altered in any way, reinforcing their appearance as ordinary items.

Who Should Consider the Trick

The “Spellbound Pocket Space” is most appealing to performers who already possess a background in music, particularly guitar players. The natural association with musical instruments makes carrying the picks feel more organic and less conspicuous. The trick’s difficulty level is low, relying on established coin magic techniques like palming, false transfers, and French drops. Individuals familiar with these techniques will find the adaptation to the guitar picks relatively straightforward. The trick is also suitable for performers who frequently work in musical environments, where the portability of the picks would be a significant advantage.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The difficulty level of the “Spellbound Pocket Space” is considered low by David Roth. He notes that the techniques involved – palming, false transfers, and French drops – are readily adaptable to the shape and size of the guitar picks. The concealed pocket adds a layer of complexity, but it’s a relatively simple mechanism to execute once mastered. The instructional video, lasting approximately one hour, provides a thorough explanation of the techniques and the pocket concealment. The key to successful performance lies in smooth, deceptive movements and a confident presentation.

What Magicians Say

David Roth, from Magic Orthodoxy, expresses a positive assessment of the “Super Picks.” He highlights their creative use of an everyday item and the quality of the instructional video. He acknowledges that the trick’s appeal might be limited to musicians or those who regularly perform in musical settings. However, he considers it a worthwhile purchase, particularly given the quality of the picks and the length of the instruction. He emphasizes the lack of gimmicks, stating, “These aren’t gimmicked or gaffed in any way – they are simply molded plastic guitar picks.” Roth also notes the examinability of the white and black picks, further reinforcing their authenticity.