John Juzek Master Art Violin- Prague 1904

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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. Juzek was an extremely prolific maker, had a keen eye, entrepreneurial business sense, and possessed excellent attention to detail. Before WWII 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 violins and violas from other craftsmen, mostly from Schönbach; according to advertising literature from Czechoslovakia they built instruments to his specifications.

Our violin is a Master Art Level violin and in very good condition. This is John Juzek’s highest grade violin, demonstrating distinctive varnish work and excellent craftsmanship. The violin has a two-piece highly flamed Bosnian maple for the back and ribs. The wood used for the violin is choice. The spruce top has a medium-width grain, consistent and straight. The instrument has beautiful edgework, spot on purfling, fine arching, and accurate classic graduations. The tongue on the back of the violin has an ebony crown. The varnish is an antiqued transparent orange/brown on a golden ground. We have carved new ebony fittings for the pegs, tailpiece and chin rest and button, along with a new bridge and soundpost. The instrument is in very good condition to almost excellent condition.

Corpus 356.0 mm., Major Width 208.0 mm., Minor Width 170.0 mm., Rib Height 30.0 mm.

The sound exceeds expectations, having a fantastic resonance with power throughout the voices. The bottom end will make you take notice of the violin; it is a Wow! – with lots of life. The sound is warm and mature with powerful sustain even on the treble side. A player will feel the violin pumping as they play. There is no spot where the violin doesn’t have it. The sound effortlessly projects with a significant amount of power. Even in the higher positions the violin retains great character and tone. The instrument demonstrates both the depth and harmonic presence throughout the register. The sound is mature, strong, and smooth under the ear and has the guts as well as the drive to fill up a concert hall. This is a very fine Master Art Model.