Transpo by Josh Burch and Craig Petty

Transpo: A Portable Coin Magic Solution

Effect

The Transpo trick presents a seemingly impossible feat: a guitar pick appears to penetrate a coaster and then a glass, ultimately delivering a selected card from a deck. To the audience, it’s a demonstration of subtle manipulation and misdirection, culminating in a visually arresting and memorable effect. The core of the illusion relies on the unusual shape of the guitar pick, allowing it to be positioned and manipulated in ways that wouldn’t be possible with a standard coin.

Full Details

The Transpo system consists of four custom-molded guitar picks. These aren’t gimmicked in the traditional sense – they are simply plastic picks designed to facilitate coin magic techniques. The set includes a white pick, a black pick, a uniquely colored pick for a specific routine, and a fourth pick. The instructional video, lasting approximately one hour and featuring Craig Petty, provides detailed instructions on adapting classic coin magic routines for use with these picks. The video showcases several routines, including “Thanks to Roth,” a classic in-the-hands transpo, a more examinable transpo variation, the signature penetration effect with a coaster and glass, and a card penetration effect. Additionally, the video demonstrates two simpler routines, “Anniversary Walts” and “Spellbound Pocket Space,” utilizing the picks. The overall production quality is high, with a darkened studio setting and clear demonstrations.

Who Should Consider the Trick

The Transpo is primarily targeted towards performers who already possess a foundation in coin magic and are seeking a portable alternative to traditional coins. It’s particularly well-suited for musicians or individuals who frequently find themselves in musical environments, as carrying guitar picks would feel more natural and less conspicuous than carrying a set of coins. The ease of inspection with the white and black picks is also a significant advantage for those who prefer to allow audience examination. David Roth notes that the appeal is limited to those who already have a reason to carry guitar picks.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The difficulty level of the Transpo is considered low. The techniques involved – palming, false transfers, and French drops – are fundamental coin magic skills that are easily adaptable to the shape and size of the guitar picks. As David Roth points out, it’s not particularly challenging to perform these moves with the picks. The core of the trick lies in the skillful manipulation of the picks and the misdirection employed to conceal the underlying mechanics.

What Magicians Say

David Roth, of Magic Orthodoxy, expresses a positive assessment of the Transpo, stating that Josh Burch and Craig Petty have created “fun and creative ways to perform classic copper/silver effects using an everyday item.” He acknowledges the limited appeal, suggesting it might be best suited for musicians or those frequently in musical settings. He values the quality of the picks and the length of the instructional video, considering the $30 price point a worthwhile investment. He emphasizes the non-gimmicked nature of the picks, highlighting their simplicity and portability. Roth also notes the ease of inspection with the white and black picks.