| |
|
Upon first glance, one may find it hard to believe that a
miniature dwelling in a remote Czech village is where
top-of-the-line electric guitars are made for hundreds of
musicians -including American ZZ Top.
How did it all start? In 1986, Peter Jurkovic, who was
then a veterinary researcher and passionate musician, decided
that he would make an electric guitar. Guided by specialized
literature and improvements he had been making on his own
guitars, he built an exact copy of the famed Fender
Stratocaster. Later he become more and more successful in his
new trade, so he dropped his occupation as an upholsterer, and
devoted all his time to guitars. Together with his wife Hana
and one of his former students, he established Marcus, a civic
association (which also used to be the brand of their
guitars). They rented a place where, from morning to
night, they cut, planed, lacquered and tested wood. It brought
results soon and customers began to come from all around Czech
Republic, and later even from abroad. In 2003 Peter left the
original label and the company became known as "Jurkovic".
Nowadays, under the new label, the company makes
customized electric and bass guitars, their customers' wishes
determining the price. Each year, their build about 50
guitars, and sometimes even fill special orders for electric
violins. Moreover, they also provide full services, even for
products other than their own.
Jurkovic and his colleagues have no plans to begin mass
production - each piece they turn out is an original, and
Jurkovic is satisfied.
"We have only one wish for the future: to maintain the tempo
of our orders!"
Besides the company, Peter has mantained his reputation as a
versed bluesman, playing his guitars on various stages.
A year ago he has joined a band Highway 61.
LINKS:
Highway 61
|
|
