The Guild Polara Kim Thayil Signature Electric Guitar is a remarkable instrument that pays homage to the legendary guitarist Kim Thayil of Soundgarden. This guitar is crafted with a solid Mahogany body and neck, ensuring both durability and a rich, resonant tone that is characteristic of high-end electric guitars.
One of the standout features of the Polara model is its distinctive Guild 70s headstock, which adds a touch of vintage flair and authenticity to the overall design. Moreover, this guitar is equipped with Grover Original Rotomatics tuners, offering exceptional tuning stability, which is crucial for performing musicians.
At the heart of the Polara is the Guild HB-1 Humbucker pickups, featuring Alnico II magnets. This combination delivers warm, yet articulate tones that are perfect for a variety of musical styles, from grunge to rock. The guitar’s phase is accurately designed to vintage specifications, ensuring that players can achieve classic sounds reminiscent of the past.
The Polara Kim Thayil model also features custom elements such as the Badmotorfinger back cover and the King Animal truss rod cover, both of which symbolize the legacy of Soundgarden and Thayil’s influential guitar work. The bound Rosewood fingerboard is adorned with Pearloid block inlays, providing a visually striking contrast against the deep black finish of the guitar.
In terms of playability, the Guild Polara is designed with a 24 3/4′ scale length that offers a comfortable playing experience. The neck shape is a vintage soft ‘U,’ which is ideal for players who prefer a classic feel. The nut width measures 1 11/16′, providing ample spacing for fingerstyle playing. Additionally, the neck thickness at the first fret is 20mm, gradually increasing to 23mm at the ninth fret, allowing for a smooth transition across the fretboard.
The fingerboard radius of 12.5′ (320mm) enhances the playability of the instrument, making it easier to execute complex chords and solos. With a total of 22 narrow jumbo frets, the Polara is perfect for both rhythm and lead playing. The fingerboard binding is made from ivory ABS, adding to the guitar’s elegant aesthetics.
Hardware-wise, the guitar features a Tune-O-Matic bridge and Guild Compensated Stopbar tailpiece. The bridge string spacing measures 2′ (50mm), allowing for precise intonation adjustments. The hardware finish is gold, which complements the overall luxurious appearance of the guitar. The nut is made from composite material, ensuring durability and longevity.
The Polara Kim Thayil Signature Electric Guitar also includes a Polara 5-Ply black/white pickguard, adding yet another layer of style to this already stunning instrument. In terms of electronics, the guitar is equipped with dual-coil Guild HB-1 pickups, with a three-way toggle switch for versatile sound options. Players can easily switch between the bridge pickup, both pickups, or the neck pickup, allowing for a wide range of tonal possibilities.
Feature | Specification |
Body Material | Mahogany |
Neck Material | Mahogany |
Scale Length | 24 3/4′ (629mm) |
Fingerboard Material | Indian Rosewood |
Finish | Gloss Polyurethane |
Pickups | Guild HB-1 Dual-Coil |
Controls | Neck Volume, Bridge Volume |
Celebrating Guild’s 70th anniversary, this model embodies Kim Thayil’s distinctive style and connection to the iconic S-100 Polara. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or an aspiring guitarist, the Guild Polara Kim Thayil Signature Electric Guitar will undoubtedly inspire creativity and elevate your playing experience. With its combination of vintage aesthetics, modern playability, and exceptional sound quality, this guitar is a must-have for any serious musician.
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