Gerardo Centonze (born 1986, Taranto) is an Italian classical guitar maker with his own workshop in Milan. A graduate of Milan’s Civic School of Lutherie and a former intern of Lorenzo Lippi, he won third prize for classical guitar at the VI Antonio Marín Montero competition in Granada in 2023.
At a Glance
- Born: Taranto, Italy, 1986
- Workshop: Milan, Italy (since 2018)
- Training: Civic School of Lutherie of Milan (Diploma of Master Luthier, 2017) with Lorenzo Lippi, Federico Gabrielli and Gabriele Negri; internships with Mirko Borghino and Lorenzo Lippi
- Prize: 3rd prize, classical guitar, VI Antonio Marín Montero Competition, Granada, 2023
- Known for: Spanish-style construction with reinforced sides, contemporary marquetry, his “Concerto Deluxe” model and “The Blue Guitar”
Gerardo Centonze: Trained in Milan
Gerardo Centonze was born in 1986 in Taranto, Italy. Initially self-taught, in 2013 he enrolled at the Civic School of Lutherie of Milan, where he learned the main building techniques of the family of plucked instruments. In 2017 he obtained his Diploma of Master Luthier under the guidance of the masters Lorenzo Lippi, Federico Gabrielli and Gabriele Negri. After completing his studies, he began an internship with Maestro Mirko Borghino, deepening his skills also in the field of archtop and acoustic guitars.
A Classical Guitar Workshop in Milan
In 2018, back in Milan, he focused his passion specifically on the construction of classical guitars and began a long and intense internship in the workshop of Maestro Lorenzo Lippi, learning various approaches to guitar construction while refining his own personal style. That same year he also opened his own workshop in Milan, where in addition to building his own instruments he takes on restoration work for vintage instruments. Since 2021 he has exhibited multiple times at the REG (Rome Expo Guitar).
Prize Winner in Granada
After several years of working at his craft, Gerardo was awarded third prize for his classical guitar at the prestigious VI Antonio Marín Montero Guitar Building Competition, held in Granada, Spain, in August 2023.
Gerardo Centonze Guitars at GSI
We first met Gerardo’s guitars at the Rome Expo Guitar, and his “Blue Guitar” came to us straight from the 2026 Roma Guitar Expo. You’ll find guitars currently in stock by clicking the “Guitars In Stock” button in the header of this page as well as earlier examples in our Museum by clicking the “Guitars In Museum” button.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does Gerardo Centonze build his guitars?
In his own workshop in Milan, Italy, opened in 2018.
Who trained Gerardo Centonze?
Lorenzo Lippi, Federico Gabrielli and Gabriele Negri at the Civic School of Lutherie of Milan, followed by internships with Mirko Borghino and Lorenzo Lippi.
Has Gerardo Centonze won any prizes?
Yes – third prize for classical guitar at the VI Antonio Marín Montero Guitar Building Competition in Granada (2023).
