When I was growing up near Cleveland in the 1960's, Bill Kap was
considered _the_ authority and source for mechanical music of any kind.
Now fast forward to the present.  When my brother and I were purchasing
some player rolls from Mark Goodman in Cleveland, he asked if we would
like to visit with Bill Kap.  I had no idea he was still around.  After
a brief phone call we buzzed out to his boutique in East Cleveland.

Bill's place is enormous: three buildings wide, and packed to the brim
with goodies.  Bill, who is 83 (as I remember), greeted us pleasantly
and what we thought would be a brief visit turned into a 90-minute tour
and chat.

He easily has over 100 pianos, and about a fourth of them appeared to
be players of one sort or another, plus nickelodeons (both Seeburg and
locally-built), band organs and a huge locally-built fairground organ
done up with a "Wizard of Oz" theme.  Bill kindly played several of
these for us, including a fantastic Mason & Hamlin Ampico A that
whispered and roared.  Bill said that he was expecting to receive a
Steinway Ampico (yep!) in the near future.

The store has full restoration facilities, including a piano shop and
refinishing area.  Just when we thought we had seen everything, he
opened a room that was packed to the ceiling with music boxes, both
disk and cylinder players.  All appeared to be in superb condition.

Bill regaled us with several stories (some of which would not bear
repeating in sensitive company) and was an extraordinarily gracious
host.  We also had a nice chat with his son, Mike, who is very much in
the business.  I was thrilled to meet a lively guy who has had so much
impact on the business of mechanical music, and can recommend a visit
if you are in the area.

  Bill Kap Piano Co. 
  14130 Euclid Ave.
  East Cleveland, OH 44112
  tel.: 1-216-541-6078 

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