Born at Bystrice pod Hostynem on 28 April 1924.

Trained to become master violin maker at the atelier of Karel Goll at Mecová in Brno. After 1945 he worked at Antonín Galla in the same atelier which was taken by him from Karel Goll. In 1964 Vilem Kuzel senior started to work independently. At the beginning his new atelier was located at Konevova 49 and since 1969 at Kopecna 32, where it has remained till now. Currently the atelier is used by his son Vilem Kuzel junior. In 1962 he became a member of the Circle of Czech Master Violinmakers, which was associated with the Union of Czechoslovak Composers and Concert Performers. He obtained numerous awards for his violins at international contests. In 1966 as well in 1967 he obtained gold medals for tone quality at the contests in Liege. In 1972 he was member of jury at a contest in Poznan. Vilem Kuzel senior has retired and does not make violins any more. His favourite pastime is angling.