Guild Polara Kim Thayil Electric Guitar in Vintage White

The Guild Polara Kim Thayil in Vintage White is a signature solid body electric that captures the spirit of Soundgarden and the feel of Kim’s original late 70s S 100. With its Mahogany construction, Guild 70s large headstock, HB 1 humbuckers and vintage correct phase switch, it is purpose built for heavy, textural rock tones that still cut clearly through a dense mix. Finished in a classy gloss Vintage White with gold hardware, it is as striking on stage as it is in the studio.

Every detail has been chosen in collaboration with Kim to recreate the response and vibe of his favourite S 100 Polara models. From the Grover Original Rotomatics for rock solid tuning to the bound Indian Rosewood fingerboard with Pearloid block inlays, this is a player focused instrument that rewards big riffs, dropped tunings and expressive lead work. If you want a guitar that channels classic Seattle grunge attitude while feeling instantly familiar in the hands, the Polara Kim Thayil delivers in style.

Soundgarden Inspired Aesthetics

The Polara Kim Thayil is loaded with visual nods to Soundgarden’s legacy. The custom “King Animal” truss rod cover and “Badmotorfinger” back cover celebrate two landmark albums and make this guitar instantly recognisable to fans. Combined with the Guild 70s large headstock, Vintage White gloss finish and gold hardware, it has a bold, vintage rock presence that looks right at home under stage lights.

Mahogany Body and Neck for Classic Punch

A solid Mahogany body and Mahogany neck give the Polara a thick, mid rich voice with natural sustain and warmth. This classic tonewood recipe is ideal for Kim’s heavy, detuned riffs, providing plenty of low end weight without losing definition. The comfortable Vintage Soft U neck profile and 24 3/4 inch scale length make big chords, bends and fast runs feel effortless.

Guild HB 1 Humbuckers with Phase Switching

Guild HB 1 dual coil humbuckers with Alnico II magnets are voiced to replicate the warm yet articulate character of 70s S 100 Polaras. They handle saturated gain with ease while retaining clarity and note separation, so complex chords and dissonant voicings still ring out. The vintage spec phase switch adds another layer of tonal versatility, unlocking thinner, more cutting textures that are perfect for experimental parts and layered studio work.

Stage Ready Hardware and Playability

Per Kim’s request, Grover Original Rotomatic tuners provide smooth, precise tuning stability that stands up to aggressive playing and frequent string bends. A Tune o Matic bridge and compensated stopbar tailpiece keep intonation tight across the neck and offer a familiar feel for palm muting and picking. The bound Indian Rosewood fingerboard with Pearloid block inlays, 12.5 inch radius and 22 narrow jumbo frets strikes a great balance between vintage vibe and modern playability.

• Mahogany Body and Neck with 70s Guild Headstock - The all Mahogany construction delivers a thick, sustaining tone with plenty of midrange punch, ideal for grunge and heavy rock. The large 70s style Guild headstock not only looks iconic but also pays direct tribute to Kim’s original 78 S 100.
• Guild HB 1 Humbuckers with Alnico II Magnets - Guild’s flagship HB 1 pickups capture the warm yet articulate sound of vintage S 100 Polaras. Their combination of output and clarity lets you dial in crushing distorted tones that still retain definition, as well as rich, musical clean and edge of break up sounds.
• Vintage Spec Phase Switch - The onboard phase switch, accurate to vintage specification, adds unique, cutting tones that stand out in a mix. It is an essential part of recreating the quirky, atmospheric sounds associated with Kim’s playing and gives you extra colours beyond standard humbucker voices.
• Grover Original Rotomatics and Rock Solid Hardware - Grover Original Rotomatic tuners offer smooth, reliable tuning performance that players have trusted for decades. Paired with a Tune o Matic bridge and compensated stopbar tailpiece, the Polara Kim Thayil stays in tune and intonated through hard hitting sets and extended studio sessions.

Body

• Body Type: Solid Body
• Body Shape: Guild Polara
• Body Top: N / A (Solid Body)
• Body Wood: Mahogany
• Upper Bout Width: 11" (280mm)
• Lower Bout Width: 13" (330mm)
• Body Depth Upper Bout: 1.4" (35.5mm)
• Body Depth Lower Bout: 1.4" (35.5mm)
• Body Length: 17" (432mm)
• Overall Length: 40" (1016mm)

Neck

• Neck Material: Mahogany
• Scale Length: 24 3/4" (629mm)
• Neck Shape: Vintage Soft "U"
• Nut Width: 1 11/16" (43mm)
• Neck Thickness 1st Fret: 20mm
• Neck Thickness 9th Fret: 23mm
• Truss Rod: Dual Action
• Truss Rod Wrench: 4mm Allen Key
• Fingerboard Material: Indian Rosewood
• Fingerboard Radius: 12.5" (320mm)
• Fingerboard Inlays: Pearloid Blocks
• Fingerboard Inlay Locations: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 12, 15, 17
• Frets Total: 22
• Fret Type: Narrow Jumbo
• Fingerboard Binding: Ivory ABS

Finish

• Colour: Vintage White (VWT)
• Finish: Gloss Polyurethane

Hardware

• Hardware Finish / Plating: Gold
• Bridge: Tune o Matic
• Bridge String Spacing: 2" (50mm)
• Tailpiece: Guild Compensated Stopbar
• Nut Material: Composite
• Tuning Machines: Grover Rotomatic
• Strap Buttons: Vintage Pawn
• Pickguard: Polara 5 Ply Black / White / Black / White / Black
• Truss Rod Cover: King Animal design
• Back Cover: Badmotorfinger signature design

Electronics

• Neck Pickup: Guild HB 1 Dual Coil Neck
• Bridge Pickup: Guild HB 1 Dual Coil Bridge
• Pickup Switch: 3 Way Toggle (1. Bridge Pickup, 2. Bridge and Neck Pickups, 3. Neck Pickup)
• Controls: Neck Volume and Tone, Bridge Volume and Tone, 3 way Toggle Pickup Switch, Phase Switch

Miscellaneous

• Strings: D'Addario EXL110 Nickel Wound Regular Light (.010" .046")