We recently wrote about our Juzek restorations. Many times we refer to them as “Uptons made from old parts”, because that’s how involved the restoration often has to be.
A lot of people see an old Juzek for sale at $10–12k and think it’s automatically a deal. But you need to be careful. Not all Juzeks are made equal, and more importantly: not all repairs are equal. Make sure to see what’s really going on inside, and to work with a capable luthier.
We just started working on a Juzek for a client. It came in looking, let’s say rough. Sunken arching, random orbital sanding marks. The neck had a dowel and probably a screw to stay in the neckblock. Inside it, we found lots of fiberglass, piano wire and popsicle sticks – what we call “boat builder repairs.”
We often hear this idea that old basses are good basses. We say good basses are good basses. While basses do get better with time and by being played, we have to consider what we are starting out with. These Juzeks were in their time rather cheap, factory made, albeit good instruments. The rough repairs we often see – like the ones in this bass – have not helped. Oftentimes we are left with a very problematic instrument, that doesn’t sound good.
We build basses for Grammy-winning jazz players, symphony performers and everything in between around the world. We know we can beat the quality of a mass-produced student Juzek from the 1930s – 40s.
What we do with a bass like this is giving it a new carved top, made right here.
A new neck with our ergonomics and a fresh African ebony fingerboard.
We will replace the corner blocks, end block.
All that fiberglass and other sketchy repairs will be removed.
The varnish will be matched to blend the old with the new. It will look vintage, but play like the modern professional instrument it’s become.
In this case we are also fitting it with our removable neck system for easy travel.
When it’s finished, an instrument like this will be around $15,000. But what you’re really buying isn’t just an old “student bass” — it’s a hybrid: half vintage, half Upton, ready for another 100 years on stage.
And yes, we’ve got more of these Juzeks in the wings so if you want one built your way (string length, neck profile, varnish color, removable neck or not) we can start with a raw project and finish it together. That’s the beauty: your instrument, your voice.
Curious? We will keep you updated on this project. And come see what else we’ve got. Or perhaps you have a project bass that you want us to restore?
