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Guild Guitars x Kim Thayil at Guitar Center Seattleplay button

Guild Guitars x Kim Thayil at Guitar Center Seattle

Guild

collapse expand iconDescription

The Guild Polara Kim Thayil signature electric guitar celebrates Kim's 30+ years playing Guild S-100 guitars, replicating the construction, tone and aesthetic of his favorite Guild S-100 Polara model. The mahogany body and Guild 70's large headstock reflect Kim's favorite features of his '78 S-100 for warm, resonant tone with crisp articulation. It also features reliable Grover Original Rotomatics tuners for tuning stability. The Polara Kim Thayil has Guild HB-1 humbuckers that replicate the warm yet articulate timbre of '70s S-100 Polaras, allowing your playing to cut through the mix. Honoring the legacy of Soundgarden's Badmotorfinger and King Animal albums, it includes a Soundgarden "King Animal" truss rod cover and "Badmotorfinger" back cover.

Resonant Mahogany Body Captures Vintage Warmth and Clarity

The mahogany body and neck on the Polara Kim Thayil reflect Kim Thayil's favorite features of his 1978 Guild S-100 Polara, resonating with rich lows, pronounced mids and clear, articulate highs. The deep mahogany wood captures the warmth and character of vintage guitars, while still retaining note definition. This versatile tonal foundation lets your playing shine.

Set Neck and Slim U-Shaped Profile Give Comfort and Playability

This signature Polara guitar has a set mahogany neck for increased resonance and stability. The neck has a comfortably slim U profile that follows the natural contour of your hand, making it very easy to play. Jumbo frets allow for expressive bending, while the 12.5" radius ebony fingerboard facilitates complex chording and fast runs. The set neck, along with its ergonomic proportions, provides hours of fatigue-free playing.

With Custom Guild Humbuckers Emulating Signature '70s Tone

The Guild Polara Kim Thayil is equipped with custom Guild HB-1 humbuckers, featuring Alnico II magnets that replicate the warm yet clear timbre of 1970s S-100 Polara models. The articulate tone cuts through the mix with enhanced note definition, perfect for nailing Kim Thayil's signature heavy tones. A phase switch adds tonal variety, providing the exact vintage tone Kim wants.

With Guild's Iconic Large Headstock for Vintage Appeal

Inspired by Guild's iconic large headstocks of the 1970s, the Polara Kim Thayil features the same oversized design, angled back for enhanced resonance and sustain. It also adds a cool, vintage vibe that stands out on stage. The Guild logo is beautifully inlaid in pearloid, complementing the elegant ivory body binding.

Reliable Grover Original Rotomatics Tuning Machines Keep You In Tune

It has Grover Original Rotomatics tuning machines, which Kim Thayil specifically requested due to their performance stability and ease of use. Rotomatics are an industry favorite found on vintage Guild models, providing 18:1 tuning precision. The gearing ratio makes fine-tuning seamless so you can perform with confidence, knowing the Polara Kim Thayil will stay in tune through even the most intricate solos.

Soundgarden-Inspired Aesthetics Celebrate Iconic Guitar's Legacy

With its iconic "King Animal" truss rod cover and "Badmotorfinger" back plate, the Polara Kim Thayil celebrates Kim's tone and achievements with his beloved Guild guitars. Available in classic Black and Vintage White finishes, this signature model embodies the raw, powerful sound that Kim pioneered. Own a piece of rock history with the Guild Polara Kim Thayil.

Open Box Guild Polara Kim Thayil Solidbody Electric Guitar Level 2 Black 197881292652
Open Box Guild Polara Kim Thayil Solidbody Electric Guitar Level 2 Black 197881292652
Open Box Guild Polara Kim Thayil Solidbody Electric Guitar Level 2 Black 197881292652

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • Gloss-finished mahogany body
  • Vintage soft U-shaped mahogany neck, two-piece scarf joint
  • Guild compensated stopbar tailpiece, Tune-o-matic bridge, Grover Rotomatics tuning machines
  • Guild HB-1 Dual-Coil pickups in the neck and bridge

collapse expand iconSpecs

Body
  • Body type: Solidbody
  • Body wood: Mahogany
  • Body finish: Gloss Polyurethane
Neck
  • Neck shape: Soft U
  • Neck wood: Mahogany
  • Joint: Set-in
  • Scale length: 24.75"
  • Truss rod: Dual-action
  • Neck finish: Gloss Polyurethane
Fingerboard
  • Material: Rosewood
  • Radius: 12.5"
  • Fret size: Narrow Jumbo
  • Number of frets: 22
  • Inlays: Pearloid
  • Nut width/material: 1-11/16" (43 mm)/Composite
Electronics
  • Neck: Proprietary
  • Bridge: Proprietary
  • Control layout: Volume and Tone (Neck) Volume and Tone (Bridge)
  • Pickup switch: 3-way
Hardware
  • Bridge type: Tune-o-matic
  • Tailpiece: Stopbar
  • Tuning machines: Grover Rotomatics
  • Color: Gold Plating
Other
  • Country of origin: Indonesia

Featured Articles

collapse expand iconReviews

4.1

10 Reviews

80%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

5524231201

Most Liked Positive Review

5

Great SG Alternative

My Kim Thayil- S-100 Polara just arrived today. I was in the market for an SG, but was ready to cut the Gibson/Epiphone cord. Man, am I glad I did! This guitar arrived needing nothing more than a quick tuning. The fit and finish earn a strong A grade, the pickups sound GREAT, The neck shape has a somewhat thin, but wide profile which fills my hand perfectly. The out of phase switching is great fun, genuine Rosewood fretboard, perfectly polished tall frets, genuine Grover tuners, all the electronics work flawlessly, and above all, it's fairly light, but BALANCED! No Neck Dive! I've been a big Soundgarden fan since '92, but even without that affiliation, I would still highly recommend this guitar. All this for half the price of new Gibson SG Standard makes this a serious winner.

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

3

I had an original Guild S100 in the early 70's

I'm an old journeyman player, and I like the reissue. IIRC, the original didn't have as wide a neck; but it's good. Everything was pretty well done, except I can't get the plastic off the pickguard! Tried a lot of things resulting in some scratches on it. I'm taking off points for it! Probably will leave it off. Bad deal! What, put star stickers over the screw holes?? Grrrr. I haven't had any problems with pots or switches or tuners, it's a nice guitar with a nasty pickguard! Really excellent for slide, kinda like my '64 SG!

Filters
Best Uses
  1. Jamming4
  2. Practicing3
  3. Recording3
  4. Rock Concerts3
  5. Large venues; whatever!1
Cons
  1. Craftsmanship3
  2. Flat Sound1
  3. Plastic film stuck to pickguard! Unremovable!1
Describe Yourself
  1. Experienced6
  2. Novice2
  3. Professional Musician2
Pros
  1. Good Tone8
  2. Fun To Play7
  3. Good Feel6
  4. Good Pick Up6
  5. Solid Electronics4
  • I had an original Guild S100 in the early 70's

    3

    submitted8 months ago

    byLes

    fromHoliday FL

    I'm an old journeyman player, and I like the reissue. IIRC, the original didn't have as wide a neck; but it's good. Everything was pretty well done, except I can't get the plastic off the pickguard! Tried a lot of things resulting in some scratches on it. I'm taking off points for it! Probably will leave it off. Bad deal! What, put star stickers over the screw holes?? Grrrr. I haven't had any problems with pots or switches or tuners, it's a nice guitar with a nasty pickguard! Really excellent for slide, kinda like my '64 SG!

  • Buy a Epiphone instead

    2

    submitteda year ago

    byRay

    fromCincinnati, OH

    Finish was nice and frets were ok. Pickups sounded good. Pots were junk and not responsive. I purchased 2 of these, first had a broken neck. Second one the pickups cut in and out and pots were just not responsive. Really wanted to like this guitar but there are better options at same price or less. I'd looks a my a Gibson SG tribute or Epiphone SG. Both are better options.

  • Incredible guitar with some corners cut

    4

    submitteda year ago

    byNathaniel

    fromAlbuquerque

    I love it, The pickups are great, no sharp fret edges and very playable out of the box. However: i wanted to change strings and the moment I took the old ones off the nut pooped right off! Now I need to glue it back down. Also the electronics are cheap plastic and pots not responsive

  • Thayil Signature Guild finally!

    4

    submitteda year ago

    byRyan

    fromSeattle, WA

    Only had to wait 30 years or so for this, but it was worth it. Great feel, playability, features and overall aesthetics. Well balanced and the tone is perfect. Great pickups. The fret works was great.

  • Amazing Guitar

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitteda year ago

    byLev

    fromPhiladelphia, PA

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    Just a terrific sounding and playng guitar. Looks sharp. PLays amazingly. I've had it for a month and haven't ben able to put it down. #sweepstakes

  • My first SG style guitar - and I love it!

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitteda year ago

    byJoshua

    fromSan Francisco

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    I've been wanting to pull the trigger on an SG - type guitar for a few years and finally did it. What a monster! This thing absolutely growls and howls with a tube amp. I'm glad I waited for this one. The black and gold looks amazing, and the weight is perfect.

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collapse expand iconQ&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • asked byZappa

    fromKent Ohio

    Other sites are listing this guitar as having a gig bag included. Does it come with any type of case or bag?

    Other sites are listing this guitar as having a gig bag included. Does it come with any type of case or bag?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    The Guild Polara Kim Thayil Solidbody Electric Guitar Black does not include a gig bag.