John Juzek Master Art Copy of Stradivarius Violin 1966 – No. 135 – Includes Bobelok Case – Used Very Good
John Juzek was one of the most significant figures in the export of fine Bohemian string instruments to North America during the twentieth century. Born in Písek in 1892, Juzek established himself in Prague as both a maker and a merchant, building relationships with the finest independent craftsmen in the Schönbach region of Bohemia and exporting instruments under his name to an American market that came to trust the Juzek label as a reliable indicator of quality. The Master Art series represented the top of that lineup — fine replicas of the great classical violin patterns, including Stradivarius, Guarnerius, Gagliano, and others, built to exacting standards from carefully selected tonewoods. The 1960s Master Art instruments are a known quantity among string dealers and collectors — well-made, tonally capable instruments that have aged well and continue to be taken seriously by players at the intermediate and advancing levels. This example, number 135, is a copy of the Stradivarius pattern, with a spruce top and maple back, sides, and scroll, ebony fingerboard, and the warm amber-orange varnish characteristic of the better Juzek instruments. It was recently appraised by a specialized violin shop at approximately $5,500 in current market value, with no structural issues found. We are a guitar shop, not a specialized violin dealer, and we are pricing it accordingly — this is an opportunity to acquire a properly appraised instrument at a meaningful discount.
Action measures 3.5mm on the G string and 2.5mm on the E string. The violin presents very nicely — minor finish nicks and scratches consistent with its age, no signs of major repairs, structurally sound throughout. No bow is included. The Bobelok case is in very good shape.
A note for buyers: while we have had this instrument assessed by a qualified appraiser, we are not a specialized string instrument shop and cannot offer the kind of detailed playability assessment a violin dealer would provide. We encourage serious buyers to have it evaluated by their own luthier or teacher before purchasing, and we are happy to answer any questions we can. Juzek Violins of this era are labeled Made in Czechoslovakia but the workshop had since moved to Germany.
- Make: John Juzek
- Model: Master Art Copy of Stradivarius
- Number: 135
- Year: 1966
- Country of origin: Czechoslovakia (per label), Germany
- Top: Spruce
- Back and sides: Maple
- Scroll: Maple
- Fingerboard: Ebony
- Varnish: Amber-orange
- Action: 3.5mm G string, 2.5mm E string
- Bow: Not included
- Appraisal: Approximately $5,500 market value per recent assessment by specialized violin shop
- Repairs: None apparent
- Condition: Used Very Good – minor finish nicks and scratches consistent with age, no major repairs, structurally sound
- Includes: Bobelok case (very good condition)
Ships carefully packed and insured for full value. International buyers are welcome — please contact us for a shipping quote before purchasing.
About Mill River Music
Mill River Music is an independent, human-powered music shop located in downtown Northampton, MA, run by a team of players, enthusiasts, and certified repair technicians. Every piece of used gear we sell is personally inspected, tested, and set up before it ships — we don't list it until we'd be happy to play it ourselves.
As Martin and Taylor certified techs, we hold our guitar work to a high standard, and we're committed to full transparency about the condition of everything we sell. No surprises.
When you buy from Mill River, you're supporting an independent local business that genuinely cares — about gear, about players, and about doing things right. We're here every step of the way. Reach out anytime.
