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Hello everybody I'm very excited to tell you my 4th deck of playing cards High Fidelity is coming to Kickstarter Wednesday August 19th 2020 at 1:00 PM MST. Many of you may remember I was working on a deck of cards called Phonograph 5. I had a rough couple of years but I'm back and I am happy to be collaborating with one of my favorite Designers Jody Eklund of Black Ink Playing Cards. Jody was able to take the Idea I really wanted for this deck and make it a reality. I hope to see you at the launch!

This is looking gorgeous! However, I'm wondering whether it's a good idea to have inconsistent corner index placements between the courts (within the frame) and the aces (no frame, more to the edges)? Also, the fonts look different. It would look drastically unbalanced in a fan.

Decknowledgy wrote: ↑Wed Aug 12, 2020 4:04 amI'm wondering whether it's a good idea to have inconsistent corner index placements between the courts (within the frame) and the aces (no frame, more to the edges)? Also, the fonts look different.

This .

While I don't care for fans, consistency throughout a deck shows me that there is thought regarding the whole deck as a homogenous art piece and/or gameplay. This is of course my subjective perception but it gives me always a "designer didn't think things through" impression if I see things like that.

Nice vintage style courts and back design is great as well imo. Great deck without the points made above.

I agree, the indexes should be consistent.

Interesting look to the card back. I'll look in on the campaign for sure. I agree the inconsistency of the indices is unusual and this design decision does impact the deck from my perspective. Maybe when we can see it all on the campaign it will be a moment of brilliance. It's possible and I will keep my mind open to that possibility that this deck will re-establish what I think a deck of playing cards should be. It's happened before.

Phonograph 5 is still on my list of decks i wanted but unfortunately never became reality.

But this is better, i'm excited to see the campaign.
The tuck & back design made a big improvement, i think this time it will reach the goal.



here is the original campaign from almost 3 years ago:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/14 ... ying-cards

Decknowledgy wrote: ↑Wed Aug 12, 2020 4:04 am This is looking gorgeous! However, I'm wondering whether it's a good idea to have inconsistent corner index placements between the courts (within the frame) and the aces (no frame, more to the edges)? Also, the fonts look different. It would look drastically unbalanced in a fan.

On my phonograph 5 deck I cut a space out of the frame for the indices Jody chose to do it this way. The original courts are big and the cards only had pips no indices so trying to fit them into the new cards was not easy but they look good all the other cards are lined up. Depending on how this project goes I still would like to make a version similar to the phonograph 5 with more colors on the courts and the cut frame and maybe a blue or green foil on the tuck but we will see.

Come visit the pre launch page here: https://kickstarter.com/projects/142705 ... ying-cards

Glad you are back. Looking forward to these.

joeblow wrote: ↑Thu Aug 13, 2020 9:52 pm Glad you are back. Looking forward to these.

Thanks I am very excited with how this deck turned out the tuck sample I have here looks so much better in person. Photos definitely don't do justice. See you at the launch in a few minutes.

High Fidelity Playing Cards is now LIVE! I hope to see you there. http://kck.st/2CImmnd

Backed! Good luck!

Well these certainly look like a Jody deck and that's a good thing in my opinion. The tuck reminds me of the recent Kodiak deck he is taking preorders for. I agree with Harvonsgard about consistency in the design that should be addressed but I will still be backing this though because they look quite nice.

I keep getting this Audrey II vibe off that AoS on the campaign page. I just don't see a spade there at all. Now all I see is Audrey II. I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing. The image of the AoS on here doesn't give the same vibe as the ones on the campaign page. So I prefer the ones on the campaign page. One of the very rare occasions that I'm enjoying the inclusion of way too much negative space and not enough card in an image.

I wonder if someone watched Little Shop Of Horrors sometime in the last year of designing the Ace.

Best of luck with the campaign I think it's a very pretty deck with some interesting and fun little twist happenings here and there.

I love the look of this deck, and here's the write-up I did giving my impressions.

High Fidelity Playing Cards

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/14 ... ying-cards

1x deck: US$15 each
Multiple decks: $25 for 2x decks, $46 for 4x, $76 for 6x, $150 for 12x
Early bird prices: $11 for 1x deck, $22 for 2x, $44 for 4x, $110 for 12x
Uncut sheet: $35

Kickstarter ends: September 18, 2020

As a result of a collaboration between Sky Nerd Studios (Landry Sanders) and Black Ink Playing Cards (Jody Eklund), comes a beautiful classic looking deck of playing cards which has just launched for funding on Kickstarter, entitled: High Fidelity Playing Cards. Self described as a "re-imagined hand-drawn upscale deck, inspired by Goodall's rare scroll-work playing cards made around 1899", this classy set of playing cards showcases two main influences: a beautiful and historic Charles Goodall deck, as well as the Victorian phonograph.

The deck's name already hints at its Victorian inspiration, with the designation "High Fidelity" having musical significance, as well as pointing to the fact that it draws its designs from a stunning 19th century Goodall deck that it reimagines. As we look at this deck, we're to imagine famous playing card designer Charles Goodall himself, listening to his phonograph, as he puts together some of the most stunning court cards that were produced in the Victorian era.



Sky Nerd Studios describes itself as "a design studio that creates custom house plans, playing cards, art, handmade leather goods, video and photography." It's the home of artist Landry Sanders, who has used crowdfunding to bring several decks to the market already, including his Unusual Designs deck, along with his colourful Rainbow Illusion deck and its vibrant sequel, Rainbow Illusion V2 deck.

But with this latest deck, Landry has teamed up with rockstar designer Jody Eklund, the man behind Black Ink Playing Cards, and a popular creator with many fine custom decks to his credit, and noted for his attention to unique historically inspired artwork.



The design of the magnificent tuck box for this deck owes its origin to Jody Eklund, and it immediately captivates with a lavish look. The dark blue card stock is adorned with copper foil on both sides, with a particularly extravagant design on the back and sides, highlighting the luxury that lies within.

The card-backs feature monochrome artwork that reprises the luxurious pattern of foil on the back of the tuck box, but a more simple look helps give attention to the design itself, and also ensures that the cards retain somewhat of a classic feel that reflects the time.



Now for my favourite part: the court cards, which have their origins in a Charles Goodall design from 1899. Many decks of playing cards today owe their classic look to designs that have been preserved and modified across the corridors of history. In this case, Landry has opted to use a special design based on a deck produced by the Charles Goodall company in London.

Here's a comparison between a card from the original Charles Goodall deck, and an in-progress work as this deck was on its way to its final form as seen in the Kickstarter project.



The name of Goodall & Sons is an important one in the history of playing cards, because this company produced as many as two-thirds of the playing cards printed in Britain. By the time the dynasty's founder, Charles Goodall (1785-1851), handed over the business to his two sons in the mid-1800s, they were already producing more than 2 million decks every year.

But it's the clarity and classic beauty of the many Charles Goodall designs that led them to be adopted and copied by other manufacturers around the globe, and these designs are one of the major influences behind the designs of modern court cards. The particular deck used as a source for the High Fidelity project was produced in 1899, and is an uncommon deck with detailed scroll work and ornamental patterns.



A vintage colour theme adds to the overall authenticity and feel. While the court cards have a standard look that is immediately familiar, they look instantly different from modern decks, courtesy of their more elaborate and dignified appearance. Thin borders around the edges of the cards add to a unique and distinctive look.

The pips on all the cards have a very classic feel, chiefly evident with the Club suit.



As usual, the Ace of Spades lives up to its billing as being a center-piece, with a more elaborate and artistic design.

Fine details here include a reference to Black Ink Playing Cards, which is emblazoned on a scroll. Also in the middle of a richly ornamented pattern is the recurring shape of a phonograph.



The Phonograph theme also returns on the Jokers, again reminding us of the Victorian origins that inspired this deck.

The final version of this deck will be produced by Legends Playing Card Company (LPCC) using their Classic finish. LPCC is an industry leader known for producing high quality playing cards in Taiwan, and their playing cards are noted for having the accurate printing registration which is essential for this deck. They're also very durable and handle smoothly, and the Classic Finish is a fine choice to ensure a quality product which matches the beauty of the artwork.



I love the inspirations that Landry has drawn on for this forthcoming High Fidelity deck. The Charles Goodall design from 1899 is absolutely stunning, and the vintage look evident in the court cards produces a classic feel.

The Victorian era phonograph fits in well with the period that this captures, and everything works together nicely to create an authentic period piece, while still being very functional and practical for daily use in card games, card magic, or even for discerning collectors.



Kickstarter: High Fidelity Playing Cards (ends September 18, 2020)
● Prices: $15 for 1x deck, $25 for 2x, $46 for 4x, $76 for 6x, $150 for 12x
● Early bird: $11 for 1x deck, $22 for 2x, $44 for 4x, $110 for 12x
● Uncut sheet: $35

Creators: Sky Nerd Studios (Landry Sanders) and Black Ink Playing Cards (Jody Eklund)

Link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/14 ... ying-cards

I'm really torn between whether to back or not due to the inconsistent corner indices of the courts vs. other cards... But since the EB single deck is gone, prices has made it easier to decide atm... Oh well

I quite like the deck and am in for a few decks. The tuck makes me think of Jody's Titans and some other decks.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1024395309 ... ying-cards Cards are $8.29 with a $10 coupon code: 10CARDSOFF

I was always around and missed these! Since I recently joined etsy, I might pick up a deck.

Great pictures as always.

I enjoy using this deck for playing card games.

Yeah, this deck is one that just nails the basics bang-on and yet still feels fresh and vintage at the same time. This one remains a classic.

rousselle wrote: ↑Sat Jul 29, 2023 2:49 am Yeah, this deck is one that just nails the basics bang-on and yet still feels fresh and vintage at the same time. This one remains a classic.

Totally agree. I love the court cards!

For $12, I'm pleased with this deck.

Foiling in the tuck doesn't look sharp and the paper looks more on the flimsy side of things... I'd rather have it $20 but then without the flaws. Alas, money saved.