John Juzek Viola, c.1970 15.25″

John (Jan) Juzek (b.1892, d.1965) was born in Písek, Czech Republic and in the early 1900s he operated a violin-making workshop in Schönbach. Juzek was well-known in North America as a merchant and exporter of violins, violas, cellos, and double basses from this workshop. He also sold the work of independent craftsmen of the Bohemia region under his name. Juzek was a luthier in his own right and modeled his instruments on those of the Italian masters. He produced consistently high-quality instruments and was prolific during the early twentieth century.

This Czech-made Juzek viola exudes excellent workmanship evidenced in its carved spruce top, maple back, and quality fittings. Its amber, orange-brown antiqued varnish showcases the wood’s natural beauty, and the evidence of wear and patina add to its lustrous appearance. Juzek’s viola features superior playability and possesses a bright, powerful tone that is open while also being deep and focused, ideal for musicians with a discerning ear.