3 reviews for Enhanced Miniature Zig-Zag by Frank Klein, Carlton Bradford
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Enhanced Miniature Zig-Zag by Frank Klein, Carlton Bradford
(c. 1978,1988,1992,1994) (Submit Review) (Submit Update)This beautiful effect was invented by Carlton Bradford and built and marketed by Frank Klein c. 1978. When I first saw this in 1980 at the IBM convention in Brighton, England I fell in love with the amazing little Plexi-Glass box. But I didn’t get to own one until almost twenty years later in 1998 🙂
There were actually four different versions of this effect released by Frank Klein:
- Miniature Zig-Zag in wood c. 1978
- Miniature Zig-Zag in stunning Plexi-Glass c. 1988
- Enhanced Miniature Zig-Zag c. 1992 (this had the extra feature of the lifting the flap in the center section)
- Ultimate Miniature Zig-Zag c. 1994 (a choice of three cans could be chosen)
To my mind the difference between the Enhanced and the Ultimate was almost a backward step since an extra couple of moves were required that bought you very little, and even when I performed the ultimate (which had no structural changes to the cabinet) I still stuck with the original single Coke can effect and ignored the option to have a can chosen.
It is easy enough to change the beverage should you want something different. When I last performed this in 1998 I only drank Coke Classic, but a few years later I switched to Diet Coke. I haven’t drank Classic since so the first thing I did when I pulled this beautiful prop out was to change it to use Diet Coke.
Effect: A colorful miniature version of the zig-zag illusion is displayed. It is a small model of the large illusion but still large enough to be performed on stage or before a smaller group. The top lid is opened and a can of beer or cola (they are ungimmicked and may be borrowed) is placed downwards into the cabinet. Two unprepared metal blades are displayed and are thrust completely through the cabinet, dividing it into three sections. Then, just like the large illusion, the center section is slid to the left, leaving the center section completely vacant, and a wand or your hand is waved through the empty section. The procedure is now reversed, the can removed, opened and the contents poured into a glass. It is either drunk by the performer or offered to a spectator.
(Ed Mishell – Genii Magazine, May 1978)
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Approx. Price: $349.00 (2020) ***
Notice: I am not a dealer and this item is not for sale on this site. It maybe available in the links below or at our sister site: qualitymagic.com, but not from here so please do not ask.© Martin's Magic (unless otherwise stated). All Rights Reserved.
Nick Propst –
Zig Zag Astonishment
I keep the can inside a clear straight-sided tumbler. After some playing, I open the top, reach inside and lift out the tumbler containing the coke can. This helps secure the can and also keeps me from fumbling or searching for the tumbler when it is time to pour. Oddly enough, on three occassions, small children knew immediately what took place…… adults, Never!
Matt Kielbiski –
Zig Zag CAn
I remember when I first got this effect…I did it for my parents haha. And when I pulled the middle over they had that puzzled look on their face. My father especially, trying to not seem amused..I knew he was thinkin "how in in the world". And from seeing that look on my dad’s face, I wouldn’t give this peice up for anything. If you can get your hands on one take it!! It isn’t difficult to use, and is a true mystery as the traditional zig zag was meant to be.
Now some 5 years later….when I pull my gal’s middle out…I see my dad’s face of "how in the world?"
Definatly worth the money.
One of my fav illusionettes.
Andy Martin –
This beautiful effect was invented by Carlton Bradford and built and marketed by Frank Klein c. 1978. When I first saw this in 1980 at the IBM convention in Brighton, England I fell in love with the amazing little Plexi-Glass box. But I didn’t get to own one until almost twenty years later in 1998 🙂
There were actually four different versions of this effect released by Frank Klein:
To my mind the difference between the Enhanced and the Ultimate was almost a backward step since an extra couple of moves were required that bought you very little, and even when I performed the ultimate (which had no structural changes to the cabinet) I still stuck with the original single Coke can effect and ignored the option to have a can chosen.
It is easy enough to change the beverage should you want something different. When I last performed this in c. 1998 I only drank Coke Classic, but a few years later I switched to Diet and haven’t drank Classic since so the first thing I did when I pulled this out was change.