Schimmel Pianos

Zeb Billings opened Billings Pianos in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1956 beginning a long and celebrated career in the music industry.  With great success as a retailer, Zeb branched out into publishing when he saw the need to include packets of sheet music in the bench of every piano sold.  The idea and others led to Billings Publishing, which he would later sell to Hal Leonard.  Following in his footsteps is his son Greg Billings, who operated the Steinway dealership in Naples, Florida and his grandson Grant, who operates a store in Madison, Wisconsin.  

Bernie Capicchiano was coached from the Accounting world to manage a new music retail store for the Brash Group in Australia in 1973.His long career in the industry includes a strong relationship with the Hammond-Suzuki Company as well as Johannus Organs, Schimmel, Hailun and Bernstein Pianos. Bernie opened his own store in October 1977, Bernies Music Land in a shopping mall. Over the years he has developed a number of very impressive education and merchandising programs to encourage music making at all levels.

David Ellis is the founder of Ellis Piano in Birmingham, Alabama. The store’s staff includes his sons who are proudly following in their father’s footsteps in providing high-quality pianos and top customer service. David’s own love for the piano all began when his mother purchased a piano at the county fair from Dick Reeves’ Piano Service. Some years later, in 1971, David was hired by that same store to deliver pianos and he fell in love with the business, especially the idea of helping each customer find the perfect instrument for their needs.

Bill Jones is the founder of Bill Jones Music in Knoxville Tennessee.  The retailer started in 1973 with a focus on piano and organs, which was during the height of the organ boom. Over the years the store has developed to fit the changing needs of its customers and has become a full line music store.  When the country enjoyed the banjo craze, Bill brought in banjos.  When the ukulele was all the rage, he offered a wide range of ukes, and still does.  All the while he and his wife developed a music school within the store to offer lessons of all types, which is a major part of the

Nikolaus Schimmel served as president for his family’s piano company for several decades. The German based Schimmel Piano Company has been building fine instruments for over one hundred years and under Nikolaus’ leadership the company expanded its export business, becoming a well-known brand of piano throughout the world. Nikolaus sought to continue the high quality of pianos that his father and grandfather had made while incorporating the latest in technology when it was possible. He also played a role in supporting music education programs and many industry events over his long

Viola Schimmel proudly recalls the mantra of her great grandfather, the founder of Schimmel Pianos, “Quality will prevail.” These words provide motivation, understanding, and guidance for her and her team as they continue the rich tradition of piano building. The company was formed in 1885 and has since gained a strong reputation around the world for consistency and high-quality instruments. Under her leadership, the company has expanded their partnerships and have taken on new and innovative designs, while proving that quality will prevail. 

Hannes Schimmel-Vogel is the president of the German based Schimmel Piano Company. He took over the role when his father-in-law, Nikolaus Schimmel, retired. At the time of his first NAMM interview, Hannes was working closely with Nikolaus to learn the trade and meet many of the dealers and supporters at such events as the NAMM Show. Hannes continued the tradition of supporting industry programs such as those created by NAMM as well as the National Piano Traveler’s Association, which was always a meaningful organization to his father-in-law.  

Fritz Tasch was born in Kecskemét, Hungary and apprenticed in a violin making school in Mittenwald, Germany. He learned the trade of first building violins, violas, cellos and other historic instruments. He worked in Italy, Germany and Switzerland before immigrating to the United States in 1965 with five dollars in his pocket. During the day he worked at Scherl & Roth (Mr. Roth was his sponsor and helped Fritz with his green card) and by night he repaired instruments and bows for members of the Cleveland orchestra.

Chip Wise served in the piano business for over fifty years and enjoyed the customers he met and the people of the music industry. During the early days of the NAMM Oral History program more interviewees suggested we interview Chip than just about anyone else. His interview took place at the NAMM Show in 2009 while he held the position of Vice President of the Schimmel Piano Company USA. At the time Chip outlined his career with a pause every now and then to ensure he mentioned the names of those who helped him with his career and those he was happy to work with over the years.