A “Master Art” Stradivarius model by John Juzek

John Juzek was a good maker making instruments in many different grades and finishes. The earliest violin we have seen personally was dated 1901 in Prague. The Stradivarius and Guarneri models are the most frequently encountered, but he also made reproductions of Gagliano, Guadagnini, Testori and others. The Master Art models are the highest grade and are always done with highly figured maple. The wood is often from very old torn down buildings and bohemian churches.

This violin is a Strad model with a handsome two-piece back of brilliant maple of medium flame. The varnish has been antiqued in imitation of age. The tone is mellow, deep, and even across all four strings with considerable reserves of power.