Juzek: Master Art vs. Not

[Ike Harris]

If it's a Master Art it should say so on the label. I've seen 2 or 3 of them. They all had the violin corners; I believe they are based on a particular Italian design(I forget which). There are several models acsending in price along with grades of wood, size, gamba or corners, etc. As far as value, I think if a particular Juzek has a killer sound, regardless of model, it will bring good money. David Gage found a "special" one for Christian McBride that was an older gamba shaped model, as is RC's. The Master Arts that I've seen and heard were not particularly killer sounding basses(to my ears).

[Benton]

I think it is absolutly beautiful. I have an older carved german bass, but the wood is plainer and has a few more bumbs. Nice bass thanks for the pictures.
Peace,
Benton

[AMJBASS]

That bass looks great! If the crack is easily repairable, and the bass sounds well, I would go for it in an instant! I have found a really nice sounding Juzek as well. I will be picking it up in 2 weeks.

[skullhead]

Thanks to all for the opinions.

Was hoping for a follow-up from Ray Parker after posting pics.
Also wondered in what ways this bass resembled DonZ's old Juzek.

What I've found out......

Probably not a Master Art. (Gamba Corners. No mention on label.)

Worth buying/fixing if price is right.

I noticed the recent threads regarding "collecting" basses and fear I may be going down that road. Got my first (Gollihur Bulgarian 5-str) about two years ago. ($2400) Bought and restored a 1980 "John Schad" (Butler, PA) 4-str about a year ago. ($550 + a few hunderd in repair/setup), And now considering the Juzek.

I look at it as an investment that I can enjoy while I own them. I especially like the fact that I'm conserving/preserving instruments that would otherwise have wasted away due to neglect. Someday someone will hopefully appreciate it, and for the time being, I get to enjoy owning them.

If I knew what I now know, I probably would have been best-served by one of the New Standard basses. The Gollihur 5-str is good for a beginner, in my view, for building strength and just keeping things interesting. However, the setup was SOOOO bad when new. Virtually un-bowable. NO new player should have to go through that with a new instrument. So if you bow, and ever consider buying one, have them ship it with an un-cut bridge and have a good luthier waiting for it.

I talk to the owner of the Juzek this weekend. I'll let y'all know if he takes my offer.

[anonymous0726]

Almost any bass will need setting up to get it to your liking when you get it. This is where a teacher is indispensible for newbies .

Good luck on your purchase!

[skullhead]

I didn't have a teacher or a luthier when I purchased the 5-str. Quite a relief when I took it to the luthier and he said "this is impossible to bow". He did the best he could with the existing bridge, and it was still terrible. New bridge was required to get it playable.

To me there's a difference between needing an entirely new bridge and needing minor adjustments.

BTW, I'd "played" from age 9-21, then gave it up. Started again at 38. Now 40. Now playing far better than I ever did in college. Still a hack, though!

[anonymous0726]

When it comes right down to it, we're all hacks in some respect. Some are just more prolific than others!