The Juzek Sound?

[Tommy el Gato]

As I've indicated in a strings post, I'm getting ready to enter the market for a first double bass and I've read plenty of posts here and so on, so this is not a "which bass should I buy?" thread, but instead, I'd just like a few details and opinions. I've read about the SB150 by Shen and heard that it's got the "Juzek Sound" going on (although, as I've read here, I doubt it's a perfect imitator) and I'm just wondering what that's like as I'm still kind of calculating my budget.

[Paul Warburton]

What is The Juzek Sound"?

[Nagrom]

The sound a salesman makes when he trying to sell a bass?

[Paul Warburton]

+1.

We're just yankin' yer chain, Tommy.
There is no such thing.
I suppose, at least in terms of jazz players, Ron Carter's Juzek is the most talked about. Some are great basses for many things, especially pizz jazz playing...... depending on many things, especially set-up and string choices. The good ones I've known seem to have a nice, open sound and are pretty even all around the board. Some others just don't make it (IMO).
Some well known classical bassists use them in famous orchestras too.
My friend Rob Kassinger won his chair in Chicago on his.
Like all basses, some are good, some are not so good and some are not at all good.

There's always the player to consider, as well.

[Tommy el Gato]

Aaah, so it's not really anything specific. Generally an open sound, but not necessarily as you say? And I didn't know Ron Carter played a Juzek either. that's good info. I appreciate the input, Paul!

[BAJO]

I sold most of all my basses and ended up playing a Juzek again That sound is hard to get rid off))

[Mark Carlsen]

I think a lot is about the punch pizz wise... Sam Jones had 2 Juzeks and Christian McBride played one early in his carreer.
Its a shop bass, jazz thing that some cats get hung up on.. can be good if you find one.

[Jake]

lynn seaton plays a juzek

[Paul Warburton]

In terms of older carved shop basses, Juzek is probably the most well known name.
Basses are whispy things....it really doesn't matter the name, who plays one or what they look like. The minute you think you got a handle on specifics of one maker....negative or positive....another bass from the same shop will come along and prove you wrong.
BAJO had a great Morelli, and I've had a couple that were fantastic. On the other hand, I've known several others that pretty much sucked.

[arnoldschnitzer]

I have to disagree with my esteemed TB brethren. I do believe there is a distinct pizzicato sound to the 3/4 Juzek, and other German/Czech basses of similar design/construction. The sound, to my ear, has an abundance of midrange, decent highs, and a definite roll-off on the bottom end. The result is a bass that cuts through the rhythm section, but can sound generic. But so much of a player's sound comes from their body. 10 players will sound a bit different all playing the same bass.

I think the "Juzek Sound" results from the body shape, the thick back, and the stiffness of a corpus made with outside linings. Also, the necks and neck joints tend to be well-made and well-fitted.

[Paul Warburton]

That's what I said. (kinda?)

[Eric Hochberg]

Originally Posted by Paul Warburton

+1.

My friend Rob Kassinger won his chair in Chicago on his.

I just heard Pattitucci play that bass last weekend. When I first saw it I wondered if someone had picked mine up without asking me, it was that close, looks and sound. I have a German and a Czech shop bass, one with a Juzek label and one with an basically unreadable label but you cn make out "Bohem...), and they sound very different from each other, but each good in their own right. Arnold's assessment seems right to me.

[drurb]

I just heard an echo.

[Eric Hochberg]

Originally Posted by drurb

I just heard an echo.

Woops

[Paul Warburton]

Yeah, I saw that too. I figured it was too early to mess with you. I was just gonna tell you get some more coffee....

[Eric Hochberg]

Don't be messin' wit me or I'll have to send my GIRLZZZ (not too tough, but very bright)!

[Mike Arnopol]

I agree with what Arnold said with a few additional thoughts. I've ownd 3 basses labeled Juzek in my life. All had similar characteristics as mentioned. But there is a range of quality among Juzeks of different ages and factories. Kelly Sill here in Chicago has Doug Watkin's Juzek. I had a very similar one. Much earlier 20th century. The string length was also longer. Maybe 42 1/2. These Juzeks were darker in sound with more depth. But yes, indeed, there is a similarity. I always say that that the "jazz bass sound" was largely defined on Juzek--type basses. I found that on Juzeks I could always get an acceptable jazz sound and feel.Finding a Juzek that will get the job done in a jazz setting is a lot easier that finding a great $100k Italian bass that functions well for jazz. If you find a great Italian or English bass that works well for jazz, nothing will touch it. Like Ray Brown's Kennedy. Or Percy Heath's bass. But you can pick up virtually any Juzek and get a good walking feel. Doesn't get much better than Sam Jones or Ron Carter.

[Mark Carlsen]

Good posts.... I guess every one agrees that every so often a good one comes along and its snatched up real quick and maybe you are the lucky one to get it or at least try it out so you know what its suppose to be like... i've been lucky enough to try and work on a few , never owned one yet. I'm still trying to figure out why Wilbur Ware sounds so killin on a Kay....

[Paul Warburton]

Same reason Israel Crosby sounds so good on his.

[Ed Fuqua]

The sound is in your head...