I have an old copper Chop Cup from Tannens (pictures below) that has served me well for years. I like its size for the multiplication routine that I do, using 4 each 1” balls. The only qualm that I have with it is the heft of the cup. I want a new Chop Cup that looks more cup like, rather then looking like a cup from a Cups And Balls kit. The gaffed cup from my Mendoza kit is perfect… the feel and weight, however not the look that I want.

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm227/BCSDenver/Cups/TannensChopCup-1.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm227/BCSDenver/Cups/TannensChopCup-2.jpg

What do guys suggest? I am rather partial to the RNT2 Cups (links below). Are there other cups that I should be looking at?

Don Alan Copper

SBL Strolling Chop Cup

I appreciate any comments… thanks,
Bruce

I am sorry the links don’t work in the above posting. If you go to rnt2.com and the cups that I mention are the “Don Alan Polished Copper” and the “SBL Strolling Chop Cup Heavy Copper.”

Thanks,
Bruce

 I thought this cup was a Morrissey copper chop cup, standard size. However, looking at the photos of your collection, I can see that it isn't. The bottom of the cup is wrong, and the cup appears to have a hammer finish to it. In with the other cups in your collection, it appears to be a fairly large cup.

The Don Alan Chop Cup is big. However, this is not a disadvantage. You just need to know that before you buy it. The SBL cup is a bit smaller. It does look like a cup, rather than an item from a cups and balls set.

However, let me assure you of something. If a spectator sees a single cup from a cups and balls set, unless he is fairly well-versed in magic, he won't know that it is anything but an ordinary cup. It just looks fancy.

If you introduce it as a cup, the audience will accept it as such UNLESS you either call attention to it by saying something about it being "an ordinary cup" or you try to spin a story about what kind of cup it is. Whatever cup you use, just call it a cup and let it go at that. The audience will not question it, unless your thoughts are directed toward it. If you start obsessing about the cup, the audience will not believe in it. And you will be BUSTED!

Bill,

I've struggled with this issue for a very long time. Since I've used chopped cups for a while, it could simply be residual guilt that tinges my thoughts.

The engraved cups I use and dearly love are here to stay. If asked by my audience about them, how can I best respond. Currently I spend 15 seconds answering the question with, "they were made in England, by a Mr. Sherwood, who panders to fat old men, with too much money to spend on their toys. They are exactly what they appear to be, very expensive sterling silver little cups. I think they're beautiful. Do you like them?"

I tend to script everything!

Bill,
Thank you for your comments; I will remember that to most people, a cup is just a cup. If I remember from the original ad copy, Tannen’s call it the Deluxe Hammered Finish Copper Chop Cup. It is big and really light. When I compare it to other cups the weight just does not seem right. Could it be that it is made of some other metal and copper plated? I am leaning toward the SBL Strolling Cup.

Kent,
Nice to see your return, I always enjoy your comments and postings.

Thanks to all,
Bruce

Bruce,

I recently bought the Ken Brooke copper large chop cup from RNT II. It is a beauty to use, and has a good, formidable weight.

G

It is the audience's perception that is important. What they see and believe matters to the entire performance. With respect to all the good cups there (and I am also a cup collector), the audience does not know anything about those cups. They see containers and balls, something appeared or disappeared, something pass thru something and some surprising appearance of bigger balls.

Right now I am focusing on what makes the audience tick, what makes them excited and what makes them enjoy the performance of the cups and balls routine. I keep reminding myself why I am doing the cups and balls and to who am I performing to.

Of course, I am still trying to collect more cups.

Spoken like a true professional my dear friend. Just like you my quest is far from from over ....same thing with my collection...LOL!

Mabuhay from Manila,

Rannie

James and Rannie,

I will admit that I have Cup Fever and that I too want to build my collection. I appreciate your deep thoughts on all that is Cups. I am on my way there… how can I not be with all that you share.

Geoffrey,

Yes the Ken Brooke Cup has the look I am after.

Thanks to all,
Bruce

Bruce,

We are all lovers of the art! Lovers of the cups and balls! We are one and the same. Learning never ends and James can attest to that. I started doing the cups and balls since I was a kid and became serious about it for the last 15 years. Still...the learning never stops! Change is constant...this is the same with society. Every table, and every hall, or theater will have different audiences from all walks of life. Finding the balance in our performing style is the key to success. I do have a routine that i have worked on for many years. The presentation varies depending on the audience before me. I enjoy the "Jazz" aspect of it. I do enjoy my tight routine as well.

Collecting cups does us good in many ways. One can never contest the appetite of a true collector thats for sure. In my case....having a new cup/s or planning to have one gives me the motivation to work harder as the result is what pays for my collection. Having a new "baby" keeps it fresh for me. Later in my life my children can enjoy my collection as well as my children's children. They may enjoy them or sell them. I would hope for them to enjoy and keep it if I had my way.

I have no remorse collecting cups. I will continue to do so... I will never have half of what Bill Palmer has i  his collection...but hey... Its free to dream right? I dream big and I work hard....so lets see. One thing is for certain...I am enjoying my magical life to the fullest and so are my loved ones.

Mabuhay from Manila,

Rannie

Rannie,
Your passion of all things Cups encourages me to do my best. I too become more enthused with each Cup addition to my collection. No regrets, but I wish I started seriously studying the Cups earlier in my magic life. I appreciate all the knowledge that is passed along here and try to learn as much as I can. I look forward to the time when I can really contribute to others, beyond the point of “I like Cups” or “How do you do this.”
Take care,
Bruce