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Average Price: $3,937
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$400
$1001+
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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
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What type of wood is used in the Guild USA Artist Edition Kim Thayil S-100 Polara?
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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.
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What kind of pickups does the Guild USA Artist Edition Kim Thayil S-100 Polara have?
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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.
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Is the Guild USA Artist Edition Kim Thayil S-100 Polara suitable for playing slide guitar?
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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.
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How many frets does the Guild USA Artist Edition Kim Thayil S-100 Polara have?
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The guitar features 22 frets on its bound Indian rosewood fingerboard, providing a comfortable playing experience.
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Does the Guild USA Artist Edition Kim Thayil S-100 Polara include a case or gigbag?
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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.
Videos
The Trogly's Guitar Show
I Tried the "Guild SG" | 2023 Guild S100 Polara Kim Thayil Soundgarden Ebony Import Review + Demo
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
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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
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The USA Artist Edition features a white nitrocellulose finish with a unique "Badmotorfinger" signature back cover and a "King Animal" truss rod cover.
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User experience
Comparisons
Value and pricing
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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.
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Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
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“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/
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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.