Portrait
Elina Kaljunen is a Finnish luthier based in Helsinki and one of the most talented makers of her generation. She works within the classical Italian tradition and is a player herself.
She draws on Cremonese, Venetian and Brescian models, returning most often to Stradivari and Guadagnini. Her craftsmanship is meticulous, and she takes particular care over setup, because as a violinist she knows how much of a player's experience of an instrument is decided there. She works closely with musicians on how each instrument is finished.
Her violins are played by professional musicians across Scandinavia and the United Kingdom.
We have been fortunate enough to have two Kaljunen models in the showroom at the same time, which is rare with a maker of her standing and makes the comparison worth having. The Stradivari model is immediately impressive: bright and powerful with real focus and projection, an extremely fast response, and a rich, deep sound that holds up even in the higher positions. The Guadagnini is the warmer of the two, with an overarching resonance right through the register and a velvety roundness to every note that suits a wide range of repertoire, and it still packs a punch in larger spaces. Highly recommended either way.
Elsewhere
Compare instruments against each other, and against an antique, in a blind test with studio audio. No labels until you have chosen.
What models does Elina Kaljunen work from?
Stradivari, Guadagnini, and Cremonese, Venetian and Brescian models.
Where are Elina Kaljunen instruments made?
In Finland. Every instrument is then set up and checked in our own London workshop before it reaches a player.
