Info on clarissa guitars

Subject: RE: Info on clarissa guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 14 Oct 18 - 01:02 PM

I have a Clarissa guitar, bowl backed with the piezo electric saddle mounted pick up. It was bought new in 1985 for about £300.
I had the guitar set up and the action lowered by a guitar technician. It is still a lovely sounding and playable guitar. It has survived all kinds of abuse by my kids, baggage handlers, clumsy friends, everything. It really is a
User friendly and reliable guitar. I use it with a Seymour Duncan Woody pick up mounted in the sound hole. I had to replace the original saddle mount pick up the to clumsy airport handling but the replacement was only about £20 or so, so now I have both options. There are shims under the saddle that allow for adjusting the action quite a bit. It's worth tinkering with them if you know what you are doing. Hang on to it if you don't need to sell it. The shame of it all is that you won't get another guitar quite like it for the price you could sell it for.

Subject: RE: Info on clarissa guitars
From: GUEST,Inge Myking
Date: 19 May 17 - 09:56 AM

Hi, have a Clarissa acoustic wich I found some years ago, or maybe it found me? It is marked Chitarra No 22050.

The head looks like a classic guitar, but I think it's a steel string. Specially loves the backside of it. Real beauty, though simple "ordinary" brown finish.

Anyone knows how old, and value if it's in good shape?

Subject: RE: Info on clarissa guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 14 Mar 16 - 01:22 PM

Any info on my clarissa dreadnought acoustic spruce top with black @silver rosette mhg sides @ back ovation style headstock no markings only CL on head need some idea on price want to sell it

Subject: RE: Info on clarissa guitars
From: GUEST,Mick
Date: 18 Aug 15 - 01:17 PM

I have a Clarissa by Polverini Bros E100 EL. The P in the name is kind of odd so I can see why many have said it's by Olverini. Mine is a kind of Ovation copy with a plastic dome back. I bought it in about 1985 from Holiday Music in Leytonstone UK. I can't remember how much it was. Quite a nice sounding guitar but the action is high and makes my hand ache after a while. I've used it live and have done some recording with it. The pickup packed up a few years back and I found a replacement, sorry I can't remember where I got it.

Subject: RE: Info on clarissa guitars
From: GUEST,Glynn
Date: 16 Apr 15 - 07:15 PM

Hi,anybody out there know where I can get a six piece saddle/bridge (just six pieces really) for Clarissa semi acoustic guitar,please?

Subject: RE: Info on clarissa guitars
From: GUEST,Gu Ribeiro, Portugal.
Date: 02 Mar 15 - 08:58 PM

Hi, i have a clarissa guitar but mine's electric and it's a copy of a SG..but not tottaly, it has some brand designed parts and it's built like a tank! I love it!

Subject: RE: Info on clarissa guitars
From: GUEST,Banacek61
Date: 24 Nov 14 - 07:49 AM

Many thanks for this invaluable info. I have just 'accidentally' acquired a Clarissa G-62-50 acoustic dreadnought, which came in the Hiscox case I wanted it has a fancy headstock with the CL monogram and a plainish label inside, with the music staff border, and the model number handwritten on a Mod no line. The seller said it was '70s and made in Italy, I don't know wher he got this information, unless it was passed along in previous dealings. What looked like attractive bordering of the sound hole is in fact a not very nice plastic insert. The neck/headstock |I suspect is Far Eastern generic, with decent diecast tuning heads and has a rosewood type fingerboard. This is bolted to a reasonable solid topped body but the internal strutting looks a little 'boxy'. The action is appalling at the moment but I will lower it today and restring it. It is both worse than and then by turn better than the impressions formed: curious.

Subject: RE: Info on clarissa guitars
From: GUEST,guest C
Date: 24 Sep 14 - 11:47 AM

To revive a long-dead thread

I found a clarissa,sold for 150 euros.The owner says it cost 500 some years back.He insists it's an "electro-classical" not an "electro-acoustic" guitar.
It's a bowl back synthetic,ovation-style guitar,white with yellow fading out from the outline(sunburst?),dual holes near the neck decorated with a wing-like-shape that extends to the bridge,with truss-rod and the letters "CL" on the headstock.Pretty much like an ovation,but prettier.
It looks like the one sold here: http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NDg5WDEwMjQ=/z/OLIAAOSwEK9T~OyC/$_86.JPG but in yellow instead of blue and 3 times more expensive.

On the inside it reads CLARISSA ARG-ORO P-420-EL ,says the owner.

The last part seems ok as a serial,simular to http://mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=79124#2409475 's guitar
but without the "olverini brothers" logo.

I'm really looking fw to joining the "Clarissa cult".
Anyone knows anything about the "ARG-ORO" serial?

Subject: RE: Info on clarissa guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Dec 12 - 08:40 PM

Clarissa guitars are named after the daughter of one of the Polverini Brothers. The factory was in Castelfidardo a small town near Ancona.
The playability of the instruments sold in the UK was dependent upon who imported them . The original importer and marketing Company John E Dodds Ltd made the final adjustments and setups prior to them being shipped to the retail shops. Every instrument without exception was checked and set up so that they would play straight away without any further adjustment by the retailer.They sold well and got the attention of many good musicians . This activity also got the attention of a competitor Roberto Brandoni from Castelfidardo and a relative of the manufacturers of the guitars. The instruments that were imported by Brandoni were not worked on in the uK prior to them being sold and as a result a large quantity of guitars were dumped at little money. This explains the large differences found in both quality and asking prices in shops today. Readers may be interested to know that in France the Clarissa which was pre checked and ajusted are much sort after and have a small collector qudos about them.

Subject: RE: Info on clarissa guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Nov 12 - 05:56 AM

i own a polverini bros .co. guitar model clarissa mod p-4 serial 1181
6 strings in very good conditions .i would like to know how much its worth is and if anybody would like to buy it . if intrested please contact me my name is benny E-mail [e-mail]
thank you

Subject: RE: Info on clarissa guitars
From: GUEST,Guest,shinybricks
Date: 12 Aug 12 - 04:40 PM

I have a Clarissa which I purchased new from Bandland in Stockton on Tees. It cost about £240. It has a shallow bowl back and is in sunburst trim. From day one it has lived in a Hiscox flight case, has crossed the Atlantic a dozen times or more and has never come out of the case out of tune. It holds it's tuning immaculately . I now use it with a Seymour Duncan woody hard wired. It was refretted and set up a few years back and it still plays beautifully. If it was worth £50 or £500, I wouldn't part with it. It Is 28 years old, has a couple of chips and dinks in the body but still looks nice despite all of that . It would definitely be worth spending a little on a reliable and professional set up.

Subject: RE: Info on clarissa guitars
From: GUEST,nikkicurd
Date: 08 Jul 12 - 06:09 AM

Have Clarissa electro acoustic by c l strumenti 1969 in fantastic condition and plays beautifully apart from slight fret buzz on e string. It has brass saddle which looks like individual pieces. how hard is it very slightly raise one piece. Ive never done any guitar repairs is it a possible diy job? I guess the answer will be to shim it slightly but how does it come apart?
nik

Subject: RE: Info on clarissa guitars
From: GUEST,John Dodds
Date: 01 Jul 12 - 04:38 PM

Hello
Please ask what questions you would like answers to about the Clarissa guitar. I will kick the ball off by telling you that the makers labels should read Polverini Brothers   or C/L Strumenti Musicali.

Subject: RE: Info on clarissa guitars
From: GUEST,Buy Clasrissa
Date: 12 Sep 11 - 12:36 PM

Yes I would like to buy your Clarissa G-300 EL Electro-Acoustic 6.
Here is my email address [e-mail].

Regards,

Arif

Subject: RE: Info on clarissa guitars
From: GUEST,Mike Gilchrist
Date: 20 Jul 11 - 01:29 PM

I've just bought a Clarissa 12-string, complete with bowl-back and ovatrion headstock. The pre-amp arrangement concists of a volume and a tone knobs. I beleive it to date back to the late 70's. I like this instrument for it's robust construction and good action. Any sound adjustments can be easily implemented with the aid of a directional microphone and an effects pedal.

Subject: RE: Info on clarissa guitars
From: GUEST,Casse in California
Date: 10 May 11 - 01:05 AM

Still researching my Clarissa acoustic 12-string guitar. Unfortunately, it has a very thin straight crack on the front now (any way to repair this) It is about 3/4 inch long?

Does anyone have ANY idea about its value, since I need to sell it.

Thanks!

Subject: RE: Info on clarissa guitars
From: GUEST,another owner
Date: 28 Dec 10 - 05:22 PM

hi
I am also owner of a Clarissa 6 strings acoustic guitar by
the "Polverini Bros. Co."; it is the Model P-40 (nr. 280)
I am not an expert, but i can assure that the acoustic box
is bigger and more balanced than most of the modern guitars
i know, and the sound is loud but very clear. I own more two
modern guitars (mid range price, i.e., not toys, just regular/good instruments) and none compares to Clarissa

Subject: RE: Info on clarissa guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 01 Sep 10 - 01:53 PM

hiiiiii everyone, ive got a clarissa H-700EL its electric acoustic, ne1 know anything about it, and how valuable it is?

Subject: RE: Info on clarissa guitars
From: GUEST,JRBrooks
Date: 30 Jul 10 - 11:23 PM

Hi all, I was hoping someone could give me somemore information on a guitar my aunt and uncle gave me a few years ago. Its a C.L. Strumenti Musicali Clarissa Model G-51. I have no complaints about this guitar, I love it a lot, I just haven't been able to find any information on this company and guitar. If someone could get back to me that would be great.

Subject: RE: Info on clarissa guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 06 Jul 10 - 10:55 AM

Hello All.
I have a Clarissa guitar that I would like to sell but I am not really sure about its value.
It says CLARISSA C.L. Mod 61. It has 12 strings.
Can someone help me? Thanks

Subject: RE: Info on clarissa guitars
From: GUEST,stefanomizzau
Date: 18 May 10 - 03:28 AM

can somebody tell me how old is my clarissa gran concerto model P-42-L Number 3459? tks for any help

Subject: RE: Info on clarissa guitars
From: GUEST,retrop
Date: 14 Apr 10 - 11:18 AM

Didnt know there were so many different models!....
My guitar is a cl clarissa GB400EL ,bowl back,electro accoustic,it has two sets of sound holes(upper&lower) surrounded by overlayed vaneered pieces cut in a kind of "gothic" shape.......it has a piezo pickup with 6 individual bridge pieces & the electro sound is contrilled with 2 knobs set on the top ..1 for volume 1 for tone.
The overall colour is silvery blue through to black"sunburst"
COMMENTS.............purchased about 5 years ago(from shop..£125)
PLAYABILITY..........Initially had a high action but after some work to lower the action(both bridge & nut) plus a small adjustment to the truss...........its as sweet as a cherry,plays like a dream.
STRINGS USED.........A goog quality set of medium guage..produces a reasonable unplugged sound.
SOUND QUALITY........I use it mainly for home recording with a michrophone to pick out the sound because the electro sound is "thin".
OTHER REMARKS........It has always had an annoying rattle from within the neck which I put down to the truss rod not having enough tension to pull it streight/clear & when enough is added the neck is then out of correction, so I live with it

Subject: RE: Info on clarissa guitars
From: GUEST,Peter Simpson
Date: 09 Apr 10 - 12:59 PM

I have a Clarissa G100EL made by Polverini Bros. Co and I bought it new in Cambridge Rock 30 years ago. I've had it repaired twice, once to glue the neck back on and once to stop the bridge buzzing. I replaced the pick up for a Fishman and it's still going strong after all this time!

Subject: RE: Info on clarissa guitars
From: GUEST,DERMOUG YOUNESS
Date: 23 Mar 10 - 08:57 PM

i have a twelve strings guitars , it's a clarissa manufactured by polevrini bros , unfortunatly somebdy has broke it from the keys support, i would like to know if it can be repaired & who can i give it to so as to fix it ..??

Subject: RE: Info on clarissa guitars
From: Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 30 Jul 09 - 08:47 AM

I have a Charissa guitar has Lead fingers says cheap cheerful Ovation with fancy head stock.
My advice is get it set up and have the frets and action and everything else done and it sounds fantastic.
I had mine done by a professional guitar technician folk's and he only charged me £50.00.. Its a different guitar now and it plays wonderful. to have these guitars set up is vital if you want to get the best out of them
regards Pierre.

Subject: RE: Info on clarissa guitars
From: GUEST,Joopr - The Netherlands
Date: 30 Jul 09 - 08:39 AM

Follow up: Cool Hand Tom's: Clarissa guitar acoustic, the back has a slight bowl effect.
That looks like my first guitar I bought in the early seventies. It was cheap, about 35 Euro's...
It had a classic headstock but mine was steel stringed.
Can't remember that the bridge was adjustable.
The bowl effect on the back was a bit SG styled.
I think it was a very fine beginners guitar, and it was just a bit smaller as regular sized ones.
I'd like to see some photo's of it.
I have a black & white one but that could be any guitar with a classic headstock.

Subject: RE: Info on clarissa guitars
From: GUEST,El Greco Portugal
Date: 22 Jul 09 - 05:22 PM

I have a Clarissa Electric bass for 20/25 years.

It was my first bass and where i started to learn how to play, it was given to me by a friend who was a guitar player.

The bass is a almost exact copy of a "les Paul" but i don't know the model that was given by Clarissa, the only thing that the bass say's is "Made in Italy"

I own other basses now, but i always liked this one "my first love", and right now, i start to restore it.
I'm trying to get Pickup's that serves there, and i'm going to change all wires, just the knobs would be the same.

If someone has some information about this bass or about good material for this restoring, i will apreciatte it.

Subject: RE: Info on clarissa guitars
From: GUEST,roy orbison
Date: 01 Jul 09 - 04:18 PM

just watched the roy orbison documentary bbc 4 and he played one in one of the clips and its exactly the same as mine excepr black top...mine is the gold top ovation lookalike..got mine off a friend for nowt thirty years ago.still got it here....seeing roy play one got me to google it and i found this site well done lads great thread

Subject: RE: Info on clarissa guitars
From: GUEST,ray ray
Date: 09 Apr 09 - 10:16 PM

theclarissa is a good guitar

Subject: RE: Info on clarissa guitars
From: GUEST,Bert
Date: 16 Mar 09 - 04:22 PM

Hi

I came across this discussion when I sought info on my ... Clarissa G-3000 EL by C.L. Strumenti Musicali from 1992. Ovation roundback copy, much heavier though, red top ("Colore 12"), neck not quite straight and action high, probably due to strings I had on it for the last years being to strong

Don't remeber the price back then, but probably not as high as some of the other quotes in this thread

Bert

Subject: RE: Info on clarissa guitars
From: GUEST,GUEST,Quim Algarve- Portugal
Date: 03 Mar 09 - 07:54 PM

I have a clarissa model P-42 L made by C.L. Strumenti Musicali, 18
years ago, i payed 200 € ( then 40.000$00 escudos ), not cheap at all, it still looks brand new and it sounds very nice also, woulden´t
swap it for any thing els.

Subject: RE: Info on clarissa guitars
From: GUEST,Casse from California USA - in Italian
Date: 07 Feb 09 - 05:59 PM

Ho una chitarra delle 12 stringhe con il " del insite dell'etichetta; CLARISSA". Ha un no. di serie 33743. L'etichetta della parte interna indica il " Capo Luitaio Dirigente" dei maestri; con la firma alla parte inferiore. Il collo è perfettamente diritto, fatto della noce; ed il corpo è un bello biondo, forse acero o legno di betulla dorato? Chiunque ha un valore approssimativo per questa chitarra che ho comprato circa 2003? Sembra molto vecchio, ma nello stato eccellente.

Subject: RE: Info on clarissa guitars
From: GUEST,Casse
Date: 07 Feb 09 - 05:56 PM

I have a 12-string guitar with the label insite "CLARISSA". It has a Serial No. 33743. The inside label states "Maestro Capo Luitaio Dirigente" with signature at the bottom. The neck is perfectly straight, made of walnut; and the body is a beautiful golden blond, perhaps maple or birch wood? Does anyone have an approximate value for this guitar which I purchased about 2003? It seems very old, but in excellent condition.

Subject: RE: Info on clarissa guitars
From: GUEST,guest
Date: 29 Dec 08 - 08:58 PM

I have a clarissa p-24 made by c.l.itrumenti musicali what can you tell me about it it need to be refinished.

Subject: RE: Info on clarissa guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 26 Dec 08 - 05:19 PM

I have a Clarissa P-20 from the Polverini Bros. Co. My grand-father gave it to me about 25 years ago. It has to be from the 70s, maybe the late 60s. Very solid construction although I haven't played it much (cut fingers shortly after getting it). I would like to learn more about this brand. I saw one on ebay Italy. Starting bid was 25 Euros

Subject: RE: Info on clarissa guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Nov 08 - 01:04 PM

I own a Clarissa G-300EL (blue color), made in italy, but thoes not say nothing about olverini or Polverini bros.

I call 'her' Maria, and indeed she has an ovation aesthetics. 15 or meybe 20 years ago I payed around 300€ (then 50.000 spanish pesetas) for her, including the case.

Is very similar to the bass posted by Mathh, but in blue.

It is very comfortable to play with her.

I'm happy wit her, but however I prefer to play my old, and bad spanish guitar.

Subject: RE: Info on clarissa guitars
From: GUEST,guest alan
Date: 13 Nov 08 - 07:19 AM

the identicle one to mine not just called dreadnought its"clarissa dreadnought" cheers

Subject: RE: Info on clarissa guitars
From: GUEST,guest,alan
Date: 13 Nov 08 - 07:12 AM

i have a clarissa by polverini bros,its a 6 string,the only other that i have found that is identical as mine except it has 12 strings its called a dreadnought i think,i would like to know if it has any value.it plays great good action the works,just cant find out anything anywhere,i will see if i can post a pic,dosnt look like i can post pic here.

Subject: RE: Info on clarissa guitars
From: GUEST,Clara4334
Date: 29 Sep 08 - 12:57 PM

I have a Italian made Clarissa G-300 EL Electro-Acoustic 6 String guitar by C.L. Strumenti Musicali. It's a very nice guitar and is in perfect condition. This guitar is an ovation electro acoustic with a centre sound hole.. Sounds pretty good and the action is very fine. This guitar has been in the family for + 10 years. It has had no problems at all in that time and has always had a great sound. There are no major scratches. MINT CONDITION!! I would like to know if somebody is interested in buy it. I really like the guitar but I need money right now. Thanks

Subject: RE: Info on clarissa guitars
From: GUEST,Guest Roberto
Date: 11 Sep 08 - 11:18 AM

I just purchased a Clarissa by Polverinin Bros. Model P-42-L in Seattle from a really nice guy named Miguel. It seems to have a really nice tone, stays in tune and the action doesn't seem to be too high. It may not have been the most expensively made guitar, but compared to the recent fare out there, it's much better. I wanted something to play on while visiting my parents, and this is working out great.

Subject: RE: Info on clarissa guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 09 Aug 08 - 04:06 PM

Subject: RE: Info on clarissa guitars
From: GUEST,BRNNN
Date: 10 Jul 08 - 02:17 PM

I have Clarissa gutar made by Polverini Bross.co Italy - not Olverini-you have made a mistake...
My model is P420EL
Piezo pick-up is made of a 6 parts (ceramic I think )gold plated...I lose one part...
Billy do you know, who made that pick-up...? Thanks...

There is a Clarissa guitar made in iTALY by Oliverini Bros and I'm
holding it right now. Model p-200-el No10243 and its called ...wait for it....chitarra gran concerto. It has a lovely tone and is nylon strung and very friendly playable.

Subject: RE: Info on clarissa guitars
From: GUEST,BRNNN
Date: 10 Jul 08 - 02:17 PM

I have Clarissa gutar made by Polverini Bross.co Italy - not Olverini-you have made a mistake...
My model is P420EL
Piezo pick-up is made of a 6 parts (ceramic I think )gold plated...I lose one part...
Billy do you know, who made that pick-up...? Thanks...

Subject: RE: Info on clarissa guitars
From: GUEST,Billy
Date: 27 Apr 08 - 04:47 PM

you guys don't seem to be talking about this any more but, I have a clarissa acuistic made by Overini Bros. co. and it says made in italy on the inside and Luxor on the headstock... any info on this?

Subject: RE: Info on clarissa guitars
From: GUEST,Esther
Date: 12 Feb 08 - 07:54 AM

I have a clarissa guitar which my father bought for a couple of hundred about 20 years ago, he sold it 11 years ago, i bumped into the fella that bought it last week and bought it back for 20 quid. It is semi acoustic in silver and black with a round back- does sound very tinny. Was bought from windows in Newcastle uopn Tyne originally not cheap.

Subject: RE: Info on clarissa guitars
From: GUEST,MattH
Date: 31 Jan 08 - 03:51 AM

I've added pics of my Clarissa Bass to Webshots - you can see it here:
http://entertainment.webshots.com/album/562326978NtgwUU

If anyone knows of another one I'd be interested to find out.

Subject: RE: Info on clarissa guitars
From: GUEST,MattH
Date: 30 Jan 08 - 05:07 PM

Right - got it in front of me. Model 024-B, Serial No. N1
Made by CL - Strumenti Musicali. Tining heads like copies of Schaller

Taken some photos - will post them on a photo-sharing web site sometime soon.

Subject: RE: Info on clarissa guitars
From: GUEST,MattH
Date: 29 Jan 08 - 12:15 PM

I have a Clarissa Bass. Cost me £250 (in a sale reduced from £550) from Rock Bottom in Croydon in 1984 and I still have it. Someone managed to put a chair leg through the front that same year in France and then I put it on a table, turned, caught the strap and it fell and split the binding along the top and cracked the wood so STILL needs repairing. It's been all over Europe with me, and the only other one I've seen in the flesh was also in France! BTW - Craig Charles has a Clarissa in Red Dwarf!!

Very high action, not really been able to get a good sound from it, but I'm going to persevere. Going to try lighter guage strings some time. The neck has a squarish feel to it. Pickup is a bit 'tinny' for my liking, but the serial no. (IF I read it right) is 001!!

Subject: RE: Info on clarissa guitars
From: GUEST,King-rollo
Date: 24 Jan 08 - 09:18 AM

I to have a Clarissa Guitar, semi accoustic roundback cutaway, in plain WHITE! It was purchased from The Carlsbro Centre (Now long since gone)in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, UK. It cost well over £200.00 quid and that was around 20 years ago, so they weren't cheap by any means! That said, the action is a little high, but I like it that way, come to think of it it's the only brand new guitar I've ever bought!
They are very similar to Ovations, as noted by other subscribers. They did a twelve string version as well, saw one on Ebay the other month (Dec 07) only went for around £55.00 quid.
So much for aprechiation in value!

Subject: RE: Info on clarissa guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 03 Jan 08 - 04:53 AM

I have a Clarissa by Olverini Bros.Co. It is a flamenco guitar with amazing wood back and sides (dont know what it is) and a spruce top. Ive had it for about 12 years but i reckon it was made in the 70s. Its been around the world with me and i love it. [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Info on clarissa guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Aug 07 - 04:00 PM

I have had my Clarissa for over 20 years and its still going strong. The action is quite high on mine, but it would not take much to lower it and improve its playability. I hav'nt bothered really since I have a beautiful Norman acoustic that I use. I may just pop the Classisa in to get it adjusted soon.