Friday, May 10, 2019

Endurance: Looking for the Capo D'astro Bar


During the sixties, Bud Robbins was hired to write advertising copy for the Aeolian Piano Company.  The ad would appear in the New York Times for their grand piano. Robbins knew nothing about pianos and couldn't even play one. He had no idea why someone would spend $5000 (back then) when they could purchase a Baldwin or Steinway for the same amount.

Robbins toured the factory for two days. Just before leaving, the national sales manager escorted him into the showroom. The Aeolian piano appeared alongside the Steinway and Baldwin, in an elegant setting.

The sales manager mentioned, "Even though all pianos look alike, ours is heavier. "

"What makes yours heavier," asked Robbins.

"We have the Capo d'astro bar," the reply.

The sales manager asked Robbins to get down on his knees and look under the piano. He pointed to a metallic bar fixed across the harp that bore down on the highest octaves.

"It takes 50 years before the harp in the piano warps. That's when the Capo d'astro bar goes to work. It prevents that warping," the manager explained.

Bud Robbins searched under the Baldwin and Steinway but didn't find the same bar, only a toy-like version.

Robbins asked, "It doesn't go to work for 50 years?"

The manager said, "Yes, that's why the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City uses this piano. Their bar should be working by now."

Robbins went to the person in charge of moving the Metropolitan Opera House to the Lincoln Center, Carmen Rise Stevens. She told him the only item they took with them was the piano because of its tone and quality that only gets stronger with time.

During his advertising career, Bud Robbins searched and discovered the Capo d'astro bar in all his clients and products dedicated to excellence and endurance.

Everyone has a strength that kicks in when most needed. Search for your own Capo d'astro bar. It will enable you to outlast challenges during times of stress.

After you locate your Capo d'astro bar, describe what it looks and feels like when it goes to work.


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