Thanks Ken,
You raise an important point that I hadn't really considered... maintenence. The Juzek looks like a warhorse and although I'm buying from reputable luthier, this one (Juzek) is a consignment and the Shen is the shop's.
I have seen on a list of basses and price/quality/finish details that the Shen Rogeri 800 is "european" made.. is that true?
Look at this list; the Shen is at the bottom...
http://www.violinsetc.com/ViolinsEtc/basschart.asp