Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $3,937

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$400

$1001+

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Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Guild USA Artist Edition Kim Thayil S-100 Polara". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Crafted for the discerning guitarist and inspired by a grunge legend, the Guild USA Artist Edition Kim Thayil S-100 Polara is a masterpiece of craftsmanship and sonic power. This limited-edition electric guitar pays homage to Kim Thayil of Soundgarden fame, encapsulating the rugged essence and dynamic tonal range that defined the Seattle sound. Hand-built by Master Luthier Chuck Sanzone, this guitar is a testament to meticulous artistry and impeccable design.

The S-100 Polara features a one-piece body carved from old-growth Honduran mahogany, offering a rich, resonant foundation that makes every note sing. Its '70s-style neck profile, coupled with a sleek Indian rosewood fingerboard, provides a comfortable and familiar feel, perfect for executing everything from sludgy riffs to searing solos with finesse.

Central to its sound are the Jason Lollar-built HB-1 humbucking pickups, which deliver high-octane tones and unmatched clarity. Equipped with a phase switch, this guitar offers a kaleidoscope of sonic textures, ranging from articulate cleans to gritty, down-tuned riffs. The vintage-style Muller bridge and compensated stopbar tailpiece ensure precise tuning and sustain, while Grover Rotomatic tuners provide rock-solid stability.

Adorned with mother-of-pearl block inlays and a custom truss rod cover, this guitar is as striking visually as it is aurally. Each piece comes with a certificate of authenticity signed by Kim Thayil, making it not just an instrument but a collector's dream.

Key Features:

  • Limited-edition Kim Thayil Signature Model
  • One-piece old-growth Honduran mahogany body
  • '70s-style mahogany neck with a large headstock
  • 22-fret, 12-inch-radius Indian rosewood fingerboard
  • Jason Lollar-built HB-1 humbucking pickups with phase switch
  • Vintage-style Muller bridge and compensated stopbar tailpiece
  • Grover Original Rotomatic tuners for stable tuning
  • Mother-of-pearl block inlays and custom truss rod cover
  • Includes a custom hardshell case and signed certificate of authenticity by Kim Thayil

Product specs

Available since January 2024
Colour Vintage White
Soundboard Mahogany
Top None
Neck Mahogany
Fretboard Rosewood
Frets 22
Scale 628 mm
Pickup System HH
Tremolo Nej
Incl. Case No
Incl. Gigbag No

FAQs

What type of wood is used in the Guild USA Artist Edition Kim Thayil S-100 Polara?

The Guild USA Artist Edition Kim Thayil S-100 Polara features an old-growth Honduran mahogany body and neck, which contributes to its rich tonal quality and sustain.

What kind of pickups does the Guild USA Artist Edition Kim Thayil S-100 Polara have?

This guitar is equipped with custom USA Guild HB-1 humbuckers, known for delivering powerful and articulate tones suitable for a variety of music styles.

Is the Guild USA Artist Edition Kim Thayil S-100 Polara suitable for playing slide guitar?

Yes, the Guild S-100 Polara is considered a great option for slide guitar, thanks to its design and tonal characteristics, making it versatile for various playing styles.

How many frets does the Guild USA Artist Edition Kim Thayil S-100 Polara have?

The guitar features 22 frets on its bound Indian rosewood fingerboard, providing a comfortable playing experience.

Does the Guild USA Artist Edition Kim Thayil S-100 Polara include a case or gigbag?

No, the Guild USA Artist Edition Kim Thayil S-100 Polara does not include a case or gigbag, so you may need to purchase one separately for protection and transport.

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Guild Polara Kim Thayil Signature Demo | First Look

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Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Guild USA Artist Edition Kim Thayil S-100 Polara.

Features and functionality

  • The vintage correct HB-1 Humbuckers with Alnico II magnets, including a phase switch, are designed to reproduce Kim Thayil's signature tones.

    Source

Build quality

  • The USA Artist Edition features a white nitrocellulose finish with a unique "Badmotorfinger" signature back cover and a "King Animal" truss rod cover.

    Source

User experience

  • The S-100’s microphonic pickup allows for unique sound techniques, such as blowing on the strings for effects, which Thayil used on Soundgarden's debut album.

    Source
  • Owners note the S-100's ability to handle fuzz and stoner rock tones, making it suitable for grunge and stoner bands.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Thayil noted that the S-100 provides a distinct playing experience compared to a Les Paul or Strat, crucially shaping his guitar sound.

    Source
  • The S-100 is compared to a Danelectro for breaking traditional doom sounds, suggesting versatility in different musical styles.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The limited USA Artist Edition is priced at $6,999, while the more accessible production model is available at $899, providing options for different budgets.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Malkmus's use of a '70 S-100 highlights its performance capability in live touring settings, indicating reliability and tonal quality on stage.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

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See how Kim Thayil uses Guild USA Artist Edition Kim Thayil S-100 Polara

Kim Thayil

Guitarist

Soundgarden

...
Verified via Guitar World

“Few guitarists are as synonymous with Guild Guitars as Kim Thayil, yet owing to a series of twists of fate, a signature guitar never became a reality for the Soundgarden hero. Now, finally, Guild has announced the Thayil x Guild range of signature S-100 Polara models. Two versions of the S-100 Polara Kim Thayil will be available: a flagship USA Artist Edition and a production-line guitar. The USA model is a limited run of 30 guitars master-built in Guild’s California facility. It features a Honduran mahogany body and neck, Guild’s ’70s era enlarged headstock with slim neck shape (as specified by Thayil), and a bound Indian rosewood fingerboard with mother-of-pearl block inlays, plus Grover Original Rotomatic tuners. This USA incarnation features custom Guild USA HB-1 humbuckers hand-wound by Jason Lollar, complete with phase switch, as well as a reproduction Guild/Mueller style bridge and compensated stopbar tailpiece. Each guitar features a white nitrocellulose finish and comes in a custom case with a certificate of authenticity, and will be hand-signed by Kim Thayil. Accordingly, there’s a serious price tag attached: $6,999.“ More details about Kim’s new signature guitar through Guild can be found on Guild’s official website; https://guildguitars.com/thayil/

Genre Usage

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Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Guild USA Artist Edition Kim Thayil S-100 Polara, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

2 alternative and related items for Guild USA Artist Edition Kim Thayil S-100 Polara, curated by the Equipboard community.

Guild S-100 Polara

$549.99 - $849.00

similar sound high-end alternative

Kim Thayil’s signature model of the Guild S-100 is based on the Guild S-100 Polara that he has played since the 1980s.

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