Graciliano Pérez (Graciliano Pérez Carrizosa, b. 1955) is a flamenco and classical guitar maker in Córdoba, Spain. A lifelong friend of the family of Miguel Rodríguez, he builds in the Córdoba tradition, and his guitars are played by Vicente Amigo, who recorded his album "Tierra" with them, as well as Raimundo Amador and Eduardo Trassierra.
Graciliano Pérez at a Glance
- Full name: Graciliano Pérez Carrizosa
- Born: 1955, Puertollano (Ciudad Real), Spain
- Home since age 9: Córdoba, Spain
- Workshop: Calle Estonia 1, Polígono Tecnocórdoba, Córdoba
- Former workshop: Calle Mucho Trigo, Córdoba
- Builds with: his brother José Antonio Pérez Carrizosa
- Influence: Miguel Rodríguez and the Rodríguez family
- Construction: traditional Spanish solera, French polish
- Players: Vicente Amigo, Raimundo Amador, Eduardo Trassierra
- Honored: Noche Blanca del Flamenco, Córdoba, 2017
Growing Up on the Street of the Rodríguez Workshop
Graciliano Pérez Carrizosa was born in 1955 in Puertollano, Ciudad Real, although at 9 years old he moved to Córdoba. He began to play the guitar at 11 years old, and that is when he first met the great luthier Miguel Rodríguez Beneyto and established a friendship with the Rodríguez family that would last throughout their lifetimes. Graciliano lived on the same street as the Rodríguez workshop and from an early age fell in love with wood and with the construction of guitars. He also took various classes at the Córdoba Conservatory under the direction of the great guitarist and pedagogue Manuel Cano.
Graciliano learned from the Rodríguez family directly and studied their guitars in great depth, obsessed with their sound, and made many guitars according to the Rodríguez system in order to make a guitar that would be appreciated for its sonic qualities and find its way into the hands of the best guitarists – including Vicente Amigo (who recorded his album "Tierra" with Graciliano's guitars), Raimundo Amador and Eduardo Trassierra, to name a few.
The Córdoba School: Rosettes, Solera and French Polish
His aesthetic is that of the Córdoba school – his own rosettes that harmoniously combine color and design, a silhouette with an accented curve and a particularly comfortable neck. Stewardship of his wood has been a priority – curing the woods exactly the right amount and using no woods less than 25 years old. He has also cut cypress trees himself for future use.
His guitars are French polished – the classic method of finishing handmade guitars. He constructs using the traditional Spanish method, on a solera rather than in a mould, which allows him to vary measurements.
Teacher, Author and Torres Scholar
Graciliano has taught classes in lutherie and published articles, and he is featured in "Vihuela de Mano y Guitarra Española," the encyclopedia of guitar makers written by José Luis Romanillos. He took part in the most important exhibition of Antonio de Torres guitars, in Córdoba in July 2007, presenting a replica of a figured maple guitar made by Miguel Rodríguez in 1955. In 2017 he was honored, together with other great Córdoba guitar makers, in the tribute to the city's guitarreros at the Noche Blanca del Flamenco. Today his guitars are in great demand by guitarists who seek to combine comfort and sonority.
From Calle Mucho Trigo to Tecnocórdoba
For many years Graciliano's workshop was on Calle Mucho Trigo, in the old center of Córdoba, with all the charm of the traditional, old-world workshops. Today he and his brother José Antonio Pérez Carrizosa, who joined him a few years after he started and takes an equal part in building every guitar, work in a new workshop at Calle Estonia 1, in the Tecnocórdoba business park just outside the city center.
Graciliano Pérez Guitars at GSI
Many Graciliano Pérez guitars, flamenco and classical, have passed through our doors over the years. 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 is Graciliano Pérez's workshop?
At Calle Estonia 1, in the Tecnocórdoba business park in Córdoba, Spain; for many years before that it was on Calle Mucho Trigo in the old city center.
Was Graciliano Pérez a pupil of Miguel Rodríguez?
He grew up on the same street as the Rodríguez workshop, became a lifelong friend of the family and learned from them directly, studying their guitars in depth.
Who plays Graciliano Pérez guitars?
Vicente Amigo, who recorded his album "Tierra" with them, Raimundo Amador and Eduardo Trassierra, among others.
Does Graciliano Pérez work alone?
No – he builds together with his brother, José Antonio Pérez Carrizosa.
