Balance

Steven

Great

Changseob

Joshua Jay is GOD!!!

Joe

The reason I purchased balance is because, I came up with an inspired way of presenting it, I even traveled a few thousand miles to complete my inspiration of this great affect of yours thank you , sincerely joseph j. Guzman. PS. I retired from the prison system after 20 years, 19704 moon dr tehachapi CA, 93561, thanks again.

Barry and

I bought Balance at the suggestion of my mentor and find it works wonderfully. Using it as my closer brings down the house. It's the only time I have audience members come up and want my photo (actually they want a photo of Balance and I insist on photobombing). If this fits into your act and you can put in the time to make it look natural, it is a terrific addition to your repertoire.

Josh

Astonishing Effect with an even better secret. This is incredible and with a little imagination you could come up with so much... the fact that it's split with multiple methods in one effect makes it even more impossible for the spectators to figure out! Love Joshua Jay and his work after all we do share a name ;)

Barry

I have only rated this as excellent as there is no option for anything better.
This effect is just phenomenal - and as always, what Josh promises - he delivers.
Fantastic presentation, good quality and clear instructions in the tutorial
The longest time needed to perform this trick is the time it takes to create your story line. Set this to suitable music as Josh does and explains in the tutorial and you are ready to perform.

John

Yeang Chiong

I bought this during a sale because it was expensive and the deal was just too good not to grab! Waited almost a month for it because I live in Asia, when I finally arrived, I was excited! I have to admit that the waiting killed the excitement but when I received it, excitement aroused itself!

Prior to the arrival of Balance, I already had access to the official video to learn the concept and what the trick was all about. I have to admit, it wasn't something I had expected even though I was watching and reading some reviews on it. The box arrived nicely and neatly packed with extra sponge for support, so it wasn't really damaged in anyway. The box is sturdy and there's a good reason for it, this box will be something you carry with you into the performance. There is a wing to hide what needs to be done. Joshua Jay will walk you through the handling of the gimmicks and the philosophy behind it, and then share with you how it is to be performed and the patter that he use.

This is more of an art piece in a performance, so I wouldn't recommend if you're looking for something quick to pull out of your inventory and perform. Instead, this would make a good closing to a parlour show.

Peow Yeong

As an amateur hobbyist, this is really easy to perform and a visually stunning effect. I wonder if a lite version can be produced with just the gimmicks for a lower fee.

Dean

Great trick. Hard to do slow without showing the secret, but practice makes perfect. I think the gimmicks are well made. They don't seem cheaply made (they'd better not be, for how much this costs!!! LOL). Impressive and can't wait to get it into my show! The only drawback is the routine isn't in the video. I'd like to see it done appropriately, and I feel like I was shortchanged on that aspect. Although once you get the trick, you understand how the routine should flow. It would just be nice to see someone who knows what they're doing, do the routine from start to finish, patter and all. Oh well, I'll survive! HAHA!

Julian

For me, the price puts this in the luxury end of my purchases so I am very grateful to Vanishing Inc for offering this at a slight discount in their November sale. I feel very privileged to own this beautiful set of well made gimmicks. Before buying this, I had a reasonable amount of experience with the three different methods used by Joshua Jay’s to accomplish this impossible structure so I knew just how difficult it is to match the forces involved perfectly. The gimmicks are very well designed and constructed. Both the gimmicked objects and their un-gimmicked twins are (and look convincingly like) ordinary, everyday objects. For magician’s living in the UK, I’d just say that I couldn’t find, in any of my local supermarkets, a toothbrush with a handle the exact shape of the ones in this set. However, when I’ve performed Balance, no one has noticed this fact, so I don’t think that is a worry. If you live in the UK you might want to replace the crayon boxes with a standard variety familiar in this country such as Crayola. It is easy to do that and a little box with a small real of spare ** is provided. Just move the other gimmick parts into the replacement box. I highly recommend that you watch the full instruction video at least once before playing with the gimmicks. Joshua Jay is a very good and thorough teacher. If you take careful note of his detailed advice, you’ll be performing this like a pro very quickly. But be warned, it does take some practice. The props work perfectly so it isn't difficult to build the structure. What you need to practise is the acting skills that make it look really difficult. You also need to practice the special ‘moves’ Joshua Jay teaches so clearly that will prevent you from flashing the methods at certain crucial points in the building process. There is nothing technically difficult. You just have to follow Joshua’s advice carefully and practise, practise, practise so that you get everything just right with confidence and competence. The first time I performed this my hands were shaking terribly. That made it much harder to perform than in my practice sessions. I suppose I had invested a lot of money in this and was nervous about ruining the effect by making a small mistake. Despite insufficient practice for performing it on autopilot (which is what you need to aim for) everyone in my audience was totally impressed. My best critic even asked me if it was a magic trick or had I actually balanced the items. That shows just how well the gimmicks are made and how easily they do their job. Another tip, when you take down the structure, don’t forget to do the crucial t***t of the pencil, the exact reverse of the construction method. You could easily do permanent damage to the gimmicked tooth brush if you forget to do this. It’s all so convincing that you can forget it’s not a real balance! For my first performance I used a different premise to the one Joshua Jay suggests (a story about a man in prison who had to invent magic tricks with everyday objects permitted in prison.) To me, that is a perfectly acceptable story (a letter from the prisoner gives the cover for a switch.) On this particular occasion, the switch was not necessary, so I just went straight into the routine. You might want to find an alternative plot line that suits you, especially if you are performing to family members who might not believe your story (unless, of course, a magician in prison has actually written you a letter!) as always with Vanishing Inc. productions, the teaching video, props and packaging are all first class. The set includes a beautiful blue velveteen covered box for storing the props in. I love the rich, deep blue colour. It’s a big box because it can be used to do the switch, but it wouldn’t look out of place on your table in a very classy stage routine. Is it magic or is it an elaborate puzzle? Who cares if it gets such a great response. If it fits your style and there is a place for it in one of your routines, I highly recommend buying this. For some, it could be a reputation maker thus justifying the relatively high cost. Keep in mind that you receive everything you need to do the routine. There is no DIY preparation and the props work perfectly. One review I read suggested that this was worth the money as a collector’s piece or elaborate ornament. I disagree. Buy it and perform it! Isn’t that the point of good magic? When you’ve mastered it, you’ll really enjoy doing it in your shows and your audiences will remember this forever. Joshua Jay says that he sometimes performs this before an interval in a show and leaves the structure on stage for people to get a closer look at. You'd need to make show audience members cannot touch it or knock the table it is on. Joshua Jay even suggests putting a glass dome over the structure. You would need a large one, the sort that stuffed animals used to be displayed in at museums. I have struggled to find something like that at a reasonable price and acrylic display cases are also very expensive.

Gerald

Outstanding effect and the quality is top notch. The video instructions are superb. Fits right in my routine.

Gerald

Balance is a beautiful effect that will work with any routine. The video instructions are superb. It is so easy to do if you follow the instructions. The best effect to hit the market in years so refreshing to see something new that is truly a work of art.
Josh you have my utmost appreciation

Michael

Outstanding.
This is something I am going to work into my act. The thought behind this is magical alone and the working is amazing.

Alan

I think because Josh is such a great guy it's hard to dislike anything he does because it comes from his heart. Lovely effect. This is one of those pieces where you will have to restrain yourself from performing it too soon. It's really not that difficult to do, but if you don't have good acting chops, the method will become quite apparent to your audience. As soon as I saw it, I immediately came up with a presentation that would fit the random items.
Yes you can perform it right out of the box, but I wouldn't recommend it as that would almost be disrespecting the effect. If you add good acting with a solid presentation you'll have your audiences scratching their heads.
Is it worth $250.00? That is up to the purchaser. For me I don't mind as I prefer the exclusivity. Lastly I think Balance will appeal to both the performer and the collector. The reason being is you could easily create it, and leave it in a showcase. Or you can use it as a closer in a Parlour show. To me either would justify the purchase.

Matthias

I love it. As a big fan of Joshua Jay I had to buy this trick and I was not disappointed. A real masterpiece!

Michael Nordahl

WOW, Joshua - this is awesome. Use it as a closer. Makes me think of other ways to use the box it-self.
Keep this stuff coming. GREAT!

christina

Wow this is just amazing . The second I received it in the mail and tor open the package I was so happy to see how amazing the packaging was. The box that it comes in is giant . After I open up the first box I was happy to find another amazing box that you can use to carrying the stuff for balance. All of the things are in individually Packaged in the second box. On to the instructional Video. It is just amazing. Josh goes lever every little thing you need to know. He is very clear when he talks and it was easy to understand. The gimmicks are just amazing built Beautifully They really are a work of art. Every thing was amazing Quality No crap used. I am only 13 years old and just got balance 4 days ago I just performed it at a private party I was preforming at last night and every one loved it. If you guys are worried about the price. Don’t. I think the price is fair for everything your getting. I’m 13 years old and make my own money my parents did not buy it for me. So if I’m 13 years old and am willing to drop 300$ on a trick then all the adults with full time jobs. Should be buying it right now.

Rich

This lives up to the hype, 100%. One of my all time favorite magic purchases. I never buy anything before its released , but josh's reputation is impeccable and he has totally hit a home run with this perfect peice of magic, highest recommendations, balance is beautiful to perferm and own

Christof

I'm a beginner in magic. Normally I only collect T.... tricks. Sometimes other tricks that I like from others. This trick is so easy to learn and I have so much fun. BALANCE impresses my whole family and my friends. I am very happy that I bought BALANCE. This trick is perfect and I feel like I'm unpacking an Ap... product because the pieces are so complete and valuable. I can recommend this trick to anyone, even if he is just a beginner in doing magic, but Balance is also Perfect for a professional magician. THE BEST I EVER BOUGHT !!!!!

Christophe

I did my first show using Balance last Friday in front of 100 people. I finished with Balance and received a standing ovation ! Applaus during 3 minutes!
Really great, easy to do but need practice to make it look natural and impossible. Thanks for sharing this materpiece with us ! Chris De Winde.

Miguel

This is just amazing. It is piece of art!!

Udo

Yesterday the package arrived and I am still in awe.
Such a beautiful wonder. Just perfect
The performance brings the magician and the audience perfectly in silence and meditation.
Thank you for this miracle and the impeccable explanation video
that is opening new mood - possibilities.
Thank you, Joshua Jay and vanishing.onc
In full appreciation
Udo Schneider, Berlin

Mark

All I have to say is what a work or art! The box alone is absolutely beautiful. Velvet on the outside and a satin finish on the inside. Even the box that the box came in is so sturdy, it can be used to store items. The blue box that is used in the effect has enough room in it to place any items you use in your close up show so it serves a few functions.
All the props are so well made and Josh goes through all the details of performing this. As I am writing this, I keep staring at the beauty of the box thinking I would have paid $200 just for the box, it is that beautiful.
The effect is easy to perform, what it needs the most is the presentation. Josh goes through this and you have to make it look as if you are having difficulty assembling this. If you believe this is an impossibility to put together, so will the audience. I am going to put a lot of time into this before I perform it for anyone.
This is one of the best investments I have made in magic, and I have made a lot of purchases.
Thank you Josh from the bottom of my heart for putting this out on the market and I hope one day in the future, you will see me perform this in person and I hope to make you proud.

reed

Wow. Everything that Joshua Jay releases is an automatic worker and goes straight into the repertoire. This is added to the list. This really is a piece of art that will instantly be the most incredible thing you do with a toothbrush. But in all seriousness, you will have more fun performing this than your spectators. Once again, amazing work Josh!

Tim

Love how sturdy and well thought out this routine is. The teaching is excellent also. My Only reason I gave it 4 out of 5 stars is because of the requirements for staging and show placement is not easy for me to get around due to what I do. But if you are largely a stage magician with just you or a partner it will be no issue. Regardless of this I’m still glad I got it. I will continue to work on a way to integrate it.

Michael

Everything that comes with this trick is high quality - the box, the gimmicks, the examinable items. I just have one problem that made me give it 4 stars instead of 5 - the switch of the examinable items for the gimmicked items is not great. It's just not realistic on why you're reaching back into the box with your hands full to pull out a piece of paper - it's just not natural looking. Another knock on it is the difficulty in taking it down in front of an audience. The recommendation is to not do this, though there is a way it can be done. But I don't like that the recommendation is to not do it. Overall, very good product, high quality, and lots of fun! I would recommend it!

james

This is good, I’ve been using this throughout 2021 as I needed to replace an audience participation routine in the show due the government guideline’s, in larger venues I think it did get a bit lost to people at the back, but overall it’s worked well in the show and is something a little different. However It’s definitely not going to be for everyone. The props are well made, however the blue box it comes in could be better quality it’s a bit flimsy, there’s now a lot of gaffer tape inside of mine.

John

I hadn’t seen any other effect quite like Balance when it came out, years after it has come out I have finally got it and I am please with the result. The props are high quality and work well so no problem there, the main thing is the effect. Even though the props get to be examined before hand, the effect can’t be taken down without suspicion. Unless you are using this as a closer, the deconstruction process is a bit suspicious. If you like the effect, this is a practical way to achieve it for parlour and stage situations, but think about where it is placed in your show due to the difficulties in deconstruction.