New "Juzek" Basses?

[glivanos]

I recently received the 2007 Metropolitan Music catalog and in addition to the Wilfer basses they normally carry they are offering John Juzek brand name imported basses starting at $1600 with a fully carved version for $2800.

Anyone know anything these?

They say imported but from where?????

[tyb507]

Bumparoo! I'm wondering about these too!
I think they are Chinese.

[mojoluthier]

At that price they'd have to be. $2800 is a very low price for a fully carved Chinese bass. I wonder what other corners were cut if not the solid wood?

[glivanos]

Since my last post I ended up calling Metropolitan and yes they are Chinese.

John Juzek must be rolling over in his grave!!

[dchan]

Originally Posted by glivanos

Since my last post I ended up calling Metropolitan and yes they are Chinese.

John Juzek must be rolling over in his grave!!

Well, then again, John Juzek supposedly never made one bass in his life.

Nor did he even run the operations of "John Juzek" in America. I believe his brother, Robert, was the head of operations using John's name.

[Gary Lynch]

I bought a new John Juzek 400. It's ALL solid, carved top and back, no veneer. It also has a Gaboon ebony fingerboard, tail, etc. My luthier Matt Bohn, http://www.thebassdoc.com/index.html set it up with a new bridge and tuned up the fingerboard, endpin and tuners. I tell you, for $1600 plus tax which included the full set up, it's an unreal deal. I have a Shen SB90 too. Apples and Oranges. The Juzek growls and sustains like a solid bass. The Shen is cool for what veneer basses are good for. It's built tough.

I'm stoked!

[glivanos]

Wow its been a while since I made this post but thanks for the update Gary. I'm not surprised that they are decent instruments since I can't believe Metropolitan would sell an inferior product.

Enjoy your new bass Gary!

[Gary Lynch]

Answers to emails I have received;

I live in California. I bought it from Matt Bohn, because he is a top bass luthier and provides a complete set up for that price. Like most imports, it seem the luthiers do not use the bridge, strings and tail cable that comes with them. Those are replaced and the fingerboard and nut worked on until it growls nicely.

If you are not in California, you could email Adam Juzek at Metropolitan Music and ask who is the closest dealer/luthier near you. He is a nice man and will help. They need a days work before you pick them up. You can also email Matt Bohn to ask questions or your luthier could too.

You also get a really nice bow with the bass! I mean a good one. Much like the Upton and String Emporium bows that they sell for $140. And a not so good bag but it works ok.

Metropolitan Music http://www.metmusic.com/home.aspx

Adam Juzek sales@metmusic.com


Matt Bohn http://www.thebassdoc.com/index.html

thebassdoctor@cruzers.com

P.S.

You may be aware of Adam's, John Juzek's basses, or maybe not. The catalog does not explain them, at least the old catalog doesn't. The Juzek model 400 ( $1600 retail ) is a ALL SOLID WOOD sides and solid carved top and back, bass. The appointments are ebony.

Also, these are not gloss finish like the old catalog shows. They are an attractive matt finish.
A note to say that Adam Juzek does not have his Metropolitan Music site set up to cross reference by Google well. In fact, when you Google Juzek Basses all you get are forums and such taking about the old ones.