Keijo Korelin

Keijo Korelin – Luthier

Keijo Korelin has been building classical guitars full-time since 2006. Over more than 15 years, he has crafted around 120 classical guitars and repaired many high-end instruments.

He is a fourth-generation woodworker – his father was a cabinetmaker, his grandfather operated sawmills, and his great-grandfather built log houses on the Karelian Isthmus. Although he originally considered an academic career in literature, he ultimately chose to study at the Ikaalinen College of Crafts and Design, graduating as an artisan luthier in 2005. He founded his own workshop in early 2006. From the beginning, he knew he wanted to build classical guitars, as he found their tonal palette uniquely compelling.

Throughout his career, he has worked alongside several talented colleagues. His first steps as a luthier were taken under the guidance of master builder Rauno Nieminen. The Liikanen brothers, Kauko and Keijo, taught him the fundamentals of classical guitar making. He performed repair work for Juha Lottonen for several years, while Gernot Wagner introduced him to the craft of building double-top guitars. Gregory Byers further influenced his artistic and technical development.

Through his work, he has met many gifted musicians, with some becoming close friends. He expresses deep gratitude to everyone who has shown interest in his guitars – especially Otto Tolonen and Aleksi Rajala, whose performances have helped spread the reputation of his instruments worldwide.

He lives with his wife Henna, their children Eevert and Verner, and their dogs Kylli and Selma in the small Finnish town of Joroinen. His hobbies include judo and playing the domra and classical guitar. He also spends time caring for their small forest, maintaining their protected 1914 log house, and engaging in volunteer work.