Celebrating Guild’s 70th anniversary, the brand has released a limited edition signature model honoring grunge pioneer Kim Thayil: the Guild Polara Kim Thayil. Limited to just 30 instruments, this exclusive guitar pays tribute to Thayil’s enduring influence and his cherished 1978 Guild S-100 Polara. Crafted to the exact specifications and measurements preferred by the Soundgarden guitarist, this model meticulously recreates the essence of his iconic instrument.
Honoring a Grunge Legend: Kim Thayil and the S-100 Polara
Kim Thayil’s journey with the Guild S-100 Polara began in the mid-1970s in his local guitar shop. As a young guitarist in the burgeoning Seattle music scene, the S-100 was the guitar he could afford, but it soon became integral to his signature sound. Along with Chris Cornell and Hiro Yamamoto, Thayil co-founded Soundgarden in 1984. His unique style, forged on his S-100, was pivotal in propelling Soundgarden to the forefront of the grunge movement in the 80s and 90s. Soundgarden’s innovative and heavy sound cemented their place as one of the most influential bands of all time. The Guild Polara Kim Thayil signature model is designed to recapture the magic and raw energy that Thayil discovered with his original S-100.
Recreating the Magic: Features and Specifications
The Guild Polara Kim Thayil meticulously replicates the features of Thayil’s favored ’78 S-100. The guitar boasts an Old-Growth Honduran Mahogany body and neck, ensuring resonant tone and sustain. The neck features the Guild 70s headstock and neck shape, providing the comfortable feel and vintage aesthetic that Thayil prefers. Equipped with Grover Original Rotomatics® tuners, the guitar guarantees tuning stability even during aggressive playing.
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Powering the guitar’s distinctive voice are custom USA Guild HB-1 Humbuckers. These pickups are hand-wound by Jason Lollar and include a phase switch, offering a wide range of tonal possibilities, from thick and powerful rhythms to shimmering cleans. Signature touches include a Soundgarden truss rod cover and a back cover personally signed by Kim Thayil, adding to the guitar’s collectibility and prestige.
Finished in a White Nitrocellulose gloss with gold hardware, the Guild Polara Kim Thayil exudes classic rock elegance. Each guitar ships with a custom hardshell case and a Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring its status as a genuine and valuable collector’s item. This limited edition Guild Polara is more than just a guitar; it’s a tribute to a legendary musician and a cornerstone of grunge history.
