Kuma Tube Vase

[Jim Riser]

I am considering making (this fall) a limited number of metal vases for the Kuma Tubes effect. I know that I want to deal with the water problem (and have an idea for this), I want the silk loads to be available from both ends, and I want the vase to be "gripable" from both ends.

Do any of you who have done the effect, have other concerns or possible problems that I should consider? Thanks.
Jim

[mai-ling]

My father created his own.
He also created the gimmick that's
honed from a brass vase that holds
the water. I remember when he had
to re-do it because the original one
was getting old. He would work on the metal
lathe at magic, inc getting it right.
he was a craftsman.

the vase itself that he uses is
very unique in itself.

if you never seen my father perform
the Kuma Tubes, it's been said he
performs it the best, even better than
Kuma. He also helped Okito remember how
the effect worked for his book.

I was just told that Jay Marshall said
that no one should be allowed to do the Kuma's
except for dad because he was the master.

If you want to see a video let me know,
I'll link you.

[Jim Riser]

Yes, I have seen your father's routine. It is the most energetic and best done version of the Kuma Tubes that I am familiar with. I merely feel that the vase design can be improved for easier transport and handling.
Jim

[Timothy Hyde]

Jim, I have a very busy two weeks of travel ahead of me, including assignments in Hong Kong & Cairns, but the Kumas were an integral part of my stage show for many years and I'll try and share a few thoughts with you when I get a chance

[Jim Riser]

Timothy,
I would greatly value your input as an experienced performer of this effect. Thank you for the offer. Do have a productive and safe trip.
Jim

[mai-ling]

Yes, I have seen your father's routine. It is the most energetic and best done version of the Kuma Tubes that I am familiar with. I merely feel that the vase design can be improved for easier transport and handling.
Jim

The difference between what you're doing and what my father
did was he took something beautiful he found and made
it fit with the effect. In doing so, he had to create
the gimmick that would hold the water and the various silks
and rubber animals he had in it.

What you are asking is how to deal with making the gimmick
effective ... which he achieved.

[Jim Riser]

What I am doing is reexamining the vase gimmicks NOT asking how to make it effective. Since I will be making the vase from scratch and can do whatever I want/need with the metal, all options are open concerning design. There is always room for improvement in any item. The traditional design has always had setup/transport concerns. I want to limit these as much as possible.
Jim

[hugmagic]

Jim,
I need to put you in to contact with my friend and customer, Jody Baron. Jody has been doing it for over ten years in his show in Hawaii.

I did see an interesting version that Richard Himber had made of Stainless Steel. He only did it a couple of times as he decided it was too heavy.

Richard

[Jim Riser]

Richard,
Thanks. I have come up with a new way to handle the liquid problem, the "tube will not fit over the vase", and to eliminate reversing the vase. All of this will allow freer handling and eliminate some weight concerns. Things are moving along quite well.

I'll try to contact Jody.
Jim

[Q. Kumber]

Mai-ling, do you know Glenn Bishop?

[mrgoat]

Mai-ling, do you know Glenn Bishop?

I spat coffee on the floor laughing at that.