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Tarbell 53: The Thumb Tie (Instant Download)


One of the most powerful routines in stand-up magic. OVER 2.5 HOURS OF PROFESSIONAL INSTRUCTION.
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Performers are always looking for something unique to add variety to their shows and The Thumb Tie fits the bill perfectly. It's an unusual piece with strong magic and plenty of room for you to inject your personality and style. In this lesson, Dan teaches you multiple methods and a wide range of presentations.

First, you'll learn Ten Ichi's original (and still baffling) thumb tie with a few of Dan's surprising touches for unexpected fun.

Then, Dan shows you a number of variations for the tying procedure so you'll be able to find one that's perfect for you.

Next, Harlan teaches you how I employ a devious (and slightly dangerous) method from Tarbell himself to defeat a truly secure tying procedure.

Plus, he goes way beyond the standard routine outlined in the original lesson by including modern presentations and methods, starting with a mixture of pickpocketing and escape that's so much easier than it looks. And, don't worry everyone leaves with their own belongings, plus a little something for their trouble.

Then, Dan use common garden variety twist-ties to comically capture a couple, steal one away momentarily, and bring them back closer than ever.

And if that's not big enough, check out this intimidating guillotine escape gone wrong. Who has two thumbs and gets away unscathed? This guy.

And finally, an impromptu, emergency method requires nothing more than a couple of rubberbands to re-create the puzzling penetrations of the original.

So, when you're looking for something different to spice up your show, consider the surprisingly strong Thumb Tie in any one of its memorable variations.

Want the best deal in magic? Get every future lesson from Tarbell for only $19.95 a month!

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Customer Reviews (showing 1 - 10 of 26)
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Wonderful Lecture Report this review
Pro Privacy ON (login to see reviewer names) on June 22nd, 2016
When I was in 6th grade a magician performed at our school. He asked for a volunteer, I was chosen. He had me twist pipe cleaners around his thumbs tight, TIGHT. Then he asked me to pick up 3 rings from a table and throw one at his hands. It slid right through his hands and right up his arm.
I was transfixed! It was impossible. I was a big, strong kid and twisted those pipe cleaners TIGHT. I was frozen in place. He had to ask me twice to throw the second one and then the third with the same results. He had me untwist the wires and I saw the deep gouges they left on his skin.
I relived that magic experience many, many times over the years and was confounded how he did it. It was 40 years later, at a magic flea market, that I bought a little booklet titled “The Jaspernese Thumb Tie” and discovered the secret.
Now Dan Harlan has brought every conceivable Thumb Tie method to this lecture and explained them all in extreme detail and wonderfully demonstrated.
Thank you Dan, the best lecture ever!
4 of 4 magicians found this helpful.
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Tarbell + Harlan = Great Report this review
Verified buyer Pro Privacy ON (login to see reviewer names) on June 19th, 2016
I now have 32 of these downloads.
Harlan gives wonderful instructions and seems to anticipate every
question and covers every possible problem area you might encounter.
Although I will only make use of a fraction of the material, it is a very useful
resource to have in my library. an enciclopedia of magic.
Thank you
3 of 3 magicians found this helpful.
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Perfect Timing! Report this review
Verified buyer Pro Privacy ON (login to see reviewer names) on June 17th, 2016
Wow, I was going to perform my usual zip tie thumb tie escape at a show this weekend, but after watching this lecture, I have a couple of different methods I may have to try out instead of my usual! I particularly love the method Dan came up with for the zip tie escape. Pure genius! This is a great resource for learning everything there is to learn about thumb tie escapes. Including how to make the escape into a much bigger thing which will play on stages of all sizes. Great work!
2 of 2 magicians found this helpful.
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The Master Report this review
Verified buyer Pro Privacy ON (login to see reviewer names) on April 8th, 2019
There have been many master magicians throughout history, but Dan Harlan sets himself miles apart from the rest of the pack by being such a thorough and comprehensive educator. He is a natural teacher...which is a rare thing in any trade, and one can't help but be awestruck by his immense knowledge and superior instruction. Many magicians can inspire and amaze, but if you want to LEARN, then accept no substitute. Dan is The Man.
1 of 1 magicians found this helpful.
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Hard to learn from the books Report this review
Verified buyer Pro Privacy ON (login to see reviewer names) on April 3rd, 2019
This is one of those effects which you must learn thru watching. It is impossible for most to learn from reading the classical texts. Dan does a great job of showing you multiple methods and his presentation. If you ever have seen the great Jonathan Neale do this you know how powerful it is. Joe Monti has a great commical version. Shintaro, Paid by the Japanese government and considered a a national treasure of Japan closes his show with this.
Practicing will require a partner. You can not tie knots with your thumbs in proper position.
It’s great to see this great effect available to the general magic public
1 of 1 magicians found this helpful.
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Thorough thumb tie tips Report this review
Verified buyer Pro Privacy ON (login to see reviewer names) on November 20th, 2017
Great job, lots of info/tips. Many thumb tie methods and presentations. Very helpful. Well worth it if you’re considering doing a thumb tie in your act.
1 of 1 magicians found this helpful.
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Great escapes Report this review
Verified buyer Pro Privacy ON (login to see reviewer names) on April 3rd, 2017
I have used the rubber band thumb tie for a few years now when just working in bars or parties when doing larger escapes would be impractical. It it's always fun and plays big for the size it packs. I bought this hoping to get mostly some presentation ideas and that I have. Also Dan's teaching is for me at least, crystal clear. His twist ties presentation is something I know I will be playing with. Over all great ideas only reason 4 stars is the illusion. He explains how to build it yes but for me I kind of got lost during that part. A PDF add on for just the construction would have been great. It's a nit pick but just me
1 of 1 magicians found this helpful.
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Get this immediately Report this review
Verified buyer Pro Privacy ON (login to see reviewer names) on July 19th, 2016
Penguin couid not have chosen a better artist then Dan Harlan the consummate host not only to the Tarbell series but Penguin Live ,his showmanship intellect experience & personality make a perfect model for any young aspiring
Performer, this is a fabulous lesson Dan expounds on a multitude of of varied methods with his own unique approach to this classic effect
1 of 1 magicians found this helpful.
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Great Stuff Report this review
Verified buyer Pro Privacy ON (login to see reviewer names) on June 19th, 2016
I have every one of these downloads and some are great and others are really great. I have been thinking of doing a thumb tie for some time but have never worked on it. This download will give you more methods and more routines than you could ever need. There is some great stuff here.
I am always amazed at the creativity of Dan Harlan. A very good Tarbell lesson about a somewhat forgotten motif.
1 of 1 magicians found this helpful.
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Workable stuff Report this review
Verified buyer Pro Privacy ON (login to see reviewer names) on June 19th, 2016
The Tarbell series is my new recommendation for anyone starting out in magic who wants tested, workable routines to put into into their show. Lots of great new ideas from Dan Harlan as well that will inspire professionals alike.
1 of 1 magicians found this helpful.
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