Keijo Korelin
I have been making classical guitars as a full-time professional luthier since 2006. During these over 15 years I have built about 120 classical guitars and repaired many high-end instruments.
I am a fourth generation woodworker – my father was a cabinet maker, my grandfather ran a sawmill and my great grandfather built log houses on the Karelian isthmus. It wasn’t an obvious choice for me to become a luthier. After finishing my secondary education I thought about an academic career involving literature, but ended up at Ikaalinen College of Crafts and Design, graduating as artisan luthier in December 2005. I started my own business in January 2006. From the very start of my career it was clear to me that I wanted to make classical guitars, as I found their sound palette extremely interesting.
I have been very fortunate to have worked alongside some very talented colleagues; I took my first steps as a luthier under the supervision of master luthier Rauno Nieminen. The Liikanen brothers, Kauko and Keijo, taught me basic classical guitar making techniques. I did repair work for Juha Lottonen for some years, while Gernot Wagner has shown me the secrets of making double top guitars and Gregory Byers has given direction to my growth as a luthier.
Through my work, I have met a number of very talented musicians and many clients have become friends. I am very grateful to all who have shown interest in my guitars. Special thanks to Otto Tolonen and Aleksi Rajala whose music making has spread the message of my guitars all over the world.
I live in a small town called Joroinen (almost dead center of Finland) with my wife Henna, our children Eevert and Verner, and with our dogs Kylli and Selma. My hobbies are judo and playing the domra and classical guitar. Taking care of our small forest, keeping up with repairs on our building-protected 1914 log house and volunteer work also keep me busy.
