By: Bill
I've been away from the Linking Rings for years. What is a good set to
buy? What are some good video and book sources for learning this
material. I'm more interested in the the use of a 6-8 ring routine
than a 3 or 4 one.
By: Margarette
If you can afford it, go for a set that has a locking key ring. I had
to stop performing with the standard linking rings because all of the
kids who saw me perform also saw the exposure of the secret to the
linking rings. Now I show them ALL of the rings and the looks on their
faces are priceless. They never expect me to hand out all of the rings
for examination.
By: Earl Nelson
I'm sure that's true when performing for children, a good point, actually.
My only experience is with adults, so consider your
audience. Generally, I've found the locking key just gets in the way
of the smooth handling possible with the rings.
If still available, the Richard Ross routine is very nice.
By: John H. Zander
The Richard Ross routine is very nice. You can see (and learn) it from
the Stevens linking ring video, still available in most magic shops.
By: Asad
Stevens vid on rings is awesome. It has, I think 4, excellent ring
routines with 5-8 rings.
By: Olde Rabbit
The Stevens tape is excellent. There is also a Michael Skinner tape
out which has a good 4-ring closeup routine with larger rings.
The routine I perform uses 4 rings, was devised by Roger Klause, based on a Jack Miller routine. You'll find it in print in the Klause book "In Concert". It is really a killer effect, with rhyming patter. Everyone I've ever shown it to has been really impressed, including kids, adults, magicians, Bob Brown and Jay Marshall.
Dariel Fitzkee has a book with a whole slew of routines for any number of rings, including routines using over and undersized rings, and even no key ring. Lee Jacobs carries the book, as well as others. It is titled "Rings Through Your Fingers", and also tells how to do the various figures like blooming flower, basket, boy on bicycle, etc.
As far as having to worry about the opening in the key, I never have. Most routines start out with one switch or another, so you begin by showing all rings seperate and solid. If you use a routine without this move, you really should add it.
The Klause routine didn't use it, so I added it, introducing the rings to the audience, thereby showing them solid and seperate. This really helps sell the trick, and audiences immediately discard the hole in ring bit as applying only to other sets of rings.
As Sammy Smith says in his routine explanation on the Stevens tape, he performed the trick for a birthday boy. After the show, the kid went up to him and said "I have a set just like yours. But one of my rings has a hole in it".
As far as different types of rings go, those most prized by professionals are hollow, stainless steel. These are quite expensive, and available from Stevens and Owen. The reason for the hollow rings is to allow a beautiful tone when two rings are struck together, which is the standard for judging the quality of Linking Rings.
However, I have a set of 10-inch rings from Hank Lee which are nice and heavy, really shiny, stainless steel but not hollow, and cost me $50. They work very well.
Rings most often come in 5, 8, 10, 12, and 15 inch inside diameters. If you are going to do a chain of 8 rings, the 12 or 15 inch rings get a little cumbersome. Most 10 inch sets can easily be seen on stage. The 5 inch rings are meant for closeup, but I have used my 10 inch set within 3 feet of spectators, and fooled them completely. There are also oversized and undersized key and single rings available. The Fitzkee book will explain how to use them.
The locking keys, magnetic keys, etc., are available,and expensive. I would suggest you try a routine with standard ones, then go to the special keys if you have a problem, such as Margarette did. But try the standard set first.
By: Bob K
: The reason for the hollow rings is to allow a beautiful tone when
two rings are struck together, which is the standard for judging the
quality of Linking Rings
While it's true that hollow rings generally have good tone, there are solid rings that sound just as good. I have a set from the Magic Hands in Germany that sound just as good as any hollow set I've heard, but they weigh a couple pounds.
Pros like the hollow ones because the have the tone without the weight. If you're don't travel a lot and/or you don't carry a lot of props with you then the weight isn't that important, so most amateurs are just as well off with a cheaper, solid set.
By: Steve Brooks
A good basic set of rings are made by "BUMPER". KlAMM Magic also
makes a good set. The best rings, however, are made by OWEN MAGIC
SUPREME! Also, if nothing else, some good basic routines can be found
in The Tarbell Course in Magic as well as the classic Amateur
Magicians' Handbook.
By: Nate
I'm interested in learning routines with linking rings. Does anyone
know where I can see some comedy routines? My collection of magic
books doesn't have any. Thanks!
By: Adam V
There's a linking ring joke where one of the rings is bent out of
shape, but you don't let that be seen. You put some around a
spectators neck and when you get them back you act like they have bent
it.
Lame on surface, this one really requires good presentation.
By: ERIC
David Ginn has a booklet titled "Comedy Linking Rings" originally
written in 1974, but has been reprinted many times since. Although
only 22 pages in length, it may be what you are looking for.
By: Moshu
Check out Whit Haydn's Comedy Linking Rings routine. If you have to
choose between the booklet and the video, get the video.
It's easy to do, and flows quite nicely. It does, however, require a participant from your audience.
By: Richard Parker
I don't know that you're looking for one to do for kids, but if you
are, Sammy Smith has a good version on a tape of his called Chain
Reaction. It's a one-trick tape on the linking rings. Whit Haydn's
tape is very good for adults (the knockout spectator who's on there
doesn't hurt it any, either).
By: Ron Reid
Here are a couple more possibilities:
1. Aldo Columbini's routine (available in book or video) www.mammamiamagic.com.
2. Alan Haydn's routine...available in book
You might want to consider doing Mike Caveney's Linking Coathangers, if you're looking for a strong comedy routine. I believe you can still get the routine and coathangers from him for about $100.00...plus, you get a gimmicked hacksaw.
By: John H. Zander
Aldo Colombini's ("o" not a "u") routine is called "Three Ring
Circus" He also has another great routine on his video "Classics of
Magic" .
By: Olde Rabbit
Stevens Magic sells a routine done with 3 linking rings designed to
look as tho they are made of barbed wire. You also get a couple of
magnets so you can make it look as tho the barbs (rubber) are catching
in your clothing, and that of the volunteer. It's expensive, and takes
a lot of showmanship, but is entertaining and funny if done well.
By: Steve V
Along with Whit Haydens (with the beautiful young lady in the video)
I'd like to toss in a vote for Dan Fleshmans Ninja Ring routine he put
out on tape using mini rings.
By: Keith Pass
Here is a site with a listing of Linking Ring Resources.
By: Sailer
Fitzkee, Dariel: Rings In Your Fingers. 119 pg hb. Provides routines
as well as lots of figures to make with the rings. I believe this has
recently been re-released. $20
>> Certainly a good book, with lots of ideas.
Haydn, Whit: Four Ring Routine: Developed for street conditions; well regarded routine (also available in video) $12.50
>> The video is hilarious. A Spectator is invited to assist. The magician teaches her how to link to rings. Then, the magician shows her several ways to unlink and link two rings, never noticing that the spectator cannot keep up. Spectator is *not* humiliated. Finally, magician links all four rings together, unlinks them, and that's that.
Tarbell, Harlen: Complete Course in Magic Vol 4: Thimble Magic, Chinese Linking Rings, and more.
>> A ten ring routine of the classic sort. Also a four ring routine that uses to singles, a double, an *no* key ring.
Vernon, Dai: Symphony of the Rings (by Lewis Ganson): This is a must have, even if you don't do the routine as written. Contains some beautiful moves. $10
I have seen this routine done as a chinese routine (Keith Pass) and as a classic routine. It uses a key, two singles, an a triple.
I have an untested theory about ring routines. You can do any routine in any style. learn a series of moves, and perform it as a cowboy, ninja, drunk, Blaine, ghost, vampire, or any other character you can think of. Handsome jack does his routine as the incredibly bored and jaded magician, as in, "God, you proabably expect to see the linking rings...again...OK. here goes..."
Given that theory, S of Rs is about as good a routine as you are gonna get.
Videos
Alan, Don: Magic Ranch Series. This is a four video set, one of which includes an excellent comedy performance of the Linking Rings by Richard Himber. y >> This is a funny routine, but it is predicated on the idea that Himber is showing Alan what he will do later in the show, and he doesn't realize that the show has already started.
Colombini, Aldo: Comedy Three Ring Routine Video $31
>> Somebody describe this routine for me, please!
Haydn, Whit: Comedy Four Ring Routine: Usable, funny routine designed to entertain. Also available in book format. $31
>> See description above. I think this is a funny, usable, commercial routine. I am going to learn it one of these days.
Greater Magic Video Library, Linking Rings.
>> Four routines, each explained. One is Richard Ross's classical slow magician in tux routine. Another is Max hapner's slow, classical, three ring routine. (He gives the rings girls names.) Jay Marshall teaches a classical comedy routine, highlighted by the world's shortest ever explanation of how the Linking Ring's works. (One of the rings has a hole in it.) Finally Samual Patrick Smith teaches his routine using two children as assistants. This is slightly more modern and faster paced, but is otherwise the same ol' same ol'.
Conclusion. i'l like to see the Capehart, Cellini, and Colombini routines, but so far, the Whitt Hayden routine has won my heart.
By: David Reed-Brown
I also submitted this to Bryan for the review section, but since it
doesn't uplift one make of rings, I thought I'd post it here too.
LINKING RING REVIEW
Regarding linking rings, I just went through the process of purchasing a professional set, and here are some key factors to ponder as you make your decision. This is not a detailed review of a specific set or a specific routine. Rather, it is a comparison of various qualities and some serious optons for the dedicated performer.
WARNING: Whatever you do, make sure you try the rings out first. Make sure they're really what you want because you'll probably have them for life. At least make sure you get a money-back guarantee if you're going to purchase a $300-600 set of rings.
KEY RINGS: Do you want to do crashing links or some of the spectacular silent links and unlinks like Richard Ross? If so, then a standard key ring would probably be necessary. The locking keys seem to work better with a fewer number of rings and more close-up - say with a 3 or 4 ring routine.
THE AFFORDABLE 10" OPTION: Bumper rings. They cost about $50 for a standard set of 8. They have a nice chrome finish, and sound great. This is a good first time option for the up and coming magician.
THE AFFORDABLE 12" OPTION: For 12 inch rings under $250, I believe the only option is Klamm. Bob Klamm sells a 12" set for around $100 - perhaps a bit less. They are solid stainless steel - not coated with chrome or anything. They look and sound great. I used a set for a couple years with much success. His locking key is about $25 or $30 and is the side-notched style. The rings are a bit heavier as they're solid 12" rings, and at times I had to work on keeping one ring completely horizontal in one hand for a couple moves, but it was fine.
WEIGHT: The total weight of the rings in your hands is an issue. It depends on how much you practice with them and how often you perform with them in a given day, or even where they are in your program, depending on what physical exertion you've been doing in the show thus far. After a 2 hour practice session with my Klamm rings, my arms begin to get a little tired, and I regularly play an hour of racquetball.
SIZE: Keep in mind the total length of longest chain you make in your routine. Do you really want to use 15" rings if you're making a 7 ring chain? Jeff McBride recommends going with 12" rings for visibility from stage. Eight inch rings are generally too small for adult male hands, unless you're doing a comedy routine. The smaller size might be funny in the right routine - so might a jumbo set, for that matter. Generally though, for stage work, I wouldn't go less than 10".
STEEL OR ALUMINUM?: Steel. There that was easy. Hold on though, size and weight are both related. Aluminum doesn't ring very well, but they make handling much easier. Because they're hollow, the rings tend to be lighter, thicker and easier to handle. Hollow steel is more difficult to manufacture and therefore more expensive, but they sure look and sound great, and they handle well. Steven's Magic Emporium has a nice set of eight hollow 11 inch aluminum linking rings with a locking key for around $80. That seems like a deal, and it's only $80. Adam's has their aluminum Feather-Light (or something like that) hollow linking rings that were quite popular years ago, but they are manufactured differently now than they were then. The price is moderate - I think somewhere in the $250-350 range.
SOUND: If this is important to you, hollow aluminum rings just don't cut it. While hollow aluminum does make the rings nice and light, the sound of the rings is key for me. Part of my purpose of doing the rings is to add acoustic and visual variety in my show. I portray them as an ancient Chinese mystery, and throughout Asian culture, the ringing of bells is very important (secularly and religiously). In my routine I contrast the crashing sound of rings linking to the quietness of silent linking and unlinking. However, if I were doing a three ring routine and not going for the sound contrasts, I could see using aluminum.
SHINE: Cleaning the rings with Windex before the performance makes them sparkle - especially steel rings.
THICKNESS: Thicker rings are easier to handle and can be seen from further away. Thinner rings give a better illusion of slow unlinking if you ask me. With the right lighting, though, thicker rings can be slowly unlinked (in the standard side-by-side figure eight pattern) just a few feet in front of people.
SUMMARY OF PRODUCTS (prices are from memory, ~ means approximately)
Bumper 10" - ~ $50, still not a bad option for under $100.
Klamm 12" - under $100, locking key is around $25. It's the only 12" set for under $300 that I have found. The steel welds are visible upon examination, but it's minor. They look and sound good.
Steven's Magic Emporium has a hollow 8 ring aluminum set 11" in diameter with a magnetic locking key for around $80. That's a bargain if you want to try out inexpensive hollow aluminum with a magnetic key. Hey, you can always sell them on e-bay.
Tannen Hollow Aluminum ~ $100 for three rings.
Abbotts - Featherlight rings, hollow aluminum, ~ $250-350.
Owen Featherweights (Eternal Orb) - These are the best linking rings in the world if you ask me. They are seamless. They shine beautifully. They're hollow and light. They ring like bells. They're about 3/8 inch in diameter - very easy to hold, and every time I perform with them, it feels like Christmas! $350 - 450 depending on size. The locking key in 12 inch is $200+.
As you can tell, I saved up and went with a standard set of 12" Owen Eternal Orbs (featherlights?), and I'm not sorry. In fact, I'm thrilled.
Denny Haney at Denny & Lee believes the only professional stage option is Owen Rings. Otherwise, stick with 10" Bumpers for $50 and save your nickel plating until you can get the Owens.
By: Olde Rabbit
That was a really excellent overview. I have a couple of reservations,
but they are strictly based on my own experience, which is much less
than David's.
If you are working with standard thickness rings, and do a quick switch to the thicker rings, they will often trip you up. Nothing you can't overcome, but keep that in mind. If you buy a pair of the thicker rings, thinking you'll just toss them into your show without really getting to know the new ones, you may find yourself fumbling a lot at first.
Also, I found the same to be true with the difference in weight. I do a routine with 4 rings, but really like the added weight of the solid steel rings. Then again, I don't do a lot of travelling, so the weight isn't a problem. But as David said in the first part of his overview, try the rings out before buying them. There is a definite difference in handling light or heavy rings, just as there is with cups, and you want a set that really feels right and moves right in your hands.
Really great going, Dave.
By: Mitch
Abbott's Featherweight Linking Rings
Anybody know anything about these ie. Quality? I have an opportunity to buy a used 10" set but looking for more info on them.
By: Ron Reid
I bought a set in the mid 1970's and they're beautiful. The rings are
hollow and give a very ring when one linked ring is dropped on the
other.
However, that was a long time ago, and I don't know if the quality is the same. If the seller is giving a good price, I'd go for it.
By: David Reed-Brown
The Abbott featherweights used to be the "best." They are hollow
aluminum and are beautifully made. However, they are not made the way
they were 20 years ago. I had Abbotts clink them together for me over
the phone and they just didn't have that nice solid lasting ring, and
that is important to me as I perform this "ancient Chineese routine."
However... if the price is right... See my linking ring review in the
reviews section of Magic Talk. There is a guy who sells hollow steel
rings for about $350 - that's $100 les than Owen for 12" rings. They
are hollow stainless steel. There aren't many professional options out
there. The Klamm 12" rings are nice for around $100 a set - solid
steel, a bit heavy, but they do the trick. I have the Owens. If the
Abbotts are a good price AND YOU CAN TEST THEM OUT YOURSELF (always do
that when spending bucks on a quality set), then go for it.
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