John Juzek Guarneri Model Violin Pre-World War II circa 1921

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In the early 20th Century, a talented Czech luthier name Jan Juzek worked in Prague and began to make his mark on the stringed instrument world. Mr. Juzek was an extremely prolific maker, had a keen eye, entrepreneurial business sense, and possessed excellent attention to detail. Before World War II the instruments were made in Prague. From 1920 throughout the 1970s, the craftsmen were from the Bohemia region on both sides of the German/Czechoslovak border. The business grew big time when his brother Robert Juzek emigrated to New York and started Metropolitan Music, first in New York City and then later near my hometown in Springfield, New Jersey. Juzek instruments, especially Master Art level, gained a worldwide audience for their high quality violins, violas, celli, and basses. As demand for string instruments in North America increased John Juzek purchased violin and violas from other craftsmen, mostly from Schönbach, and according to advertising literature of Czechoslovakia to build instruments to his specifications. This Guarnerius model violin is one of these independent craftsmen instruments, still beautiful work, indicated by a black label and not a label of multi colors.

The violin has a choice, tight straight grain spruce top, and Bosnian maple like the original Master Art’s from the 20’s and 30’s. The instrument has beautiful edgework, spot on purfling, fine arching, and accurate classic graduations. The two-piece maple back jumps in degree of flame and the matching ribs, neck, and scroll are highly flamed too. The varnish is a transparent orange/red/brown which is simply beautiful. The oil varnish work is all done on top of a golden ground. The violin had one saddle split which has been restored on the bass side that was 6 cm. long. The violin has been fully gone over here in our workshop and received a new set of pegs, new soundpost, bridge, tailpiece, chin rest, and button. The instrument is in very good condition and looks as good as it sounds.

Corpus 355.0 mm., Major Width 206.5mm., Minor Width 169.0 mm., Rib Height 29.0 -30.0 mm.

The violin has a very typical almost huge Master Art sound. Yes, huge sound, clear yet a fully mature rounded tone. This isn’t a violin for the player who wants to sit in the back of the orchestra and not be heard. The violin being over 100 years old puts out ampage (my word) for strength. The sound is rich and smooth, is full of life, full of sustain, and wow does it resonate. The violin will take a lot of bow pressure, but it also responds to a lighter touch from the right hand. It has very good projection, an even response, and crisp tone. The violin has a little edge to the sound which greatly enhances the overtones. It is easy to play, very even across the register, and just sounds beautifully balanced. I love it.