Description

The Guild Polara Kim Thayil Signature in Black is a powerful, no-nonsense rock machine that captures the feel, sound and attitude of Kim’s beloved vintage Polaras. With a solid Mahogany body and neck, Guild HB-1 humbuckers, a vintage-inspired soft U profile and a classic 24 3/4 inch scale, it is purpose-built for heavy riffs, snarling chords and expressive lead work, all wrapped up in a sleek Black finish with gold hardware and Soundgarden-inspired detailing. Every element of this guitar has been chosen to reflect the features Kim relies on in the studio and on stage. From the ultra-stable Grover Rotomatic tuners and dual-action truss rod to the bound Indian Rosewood fingerboard with Pearloid block inlays, it feels instantly familiar and road-ready. Add in the vintage-correct phase switch and Guild’s articulate HB-1 pickups and you have a versatile, characterful instrument that can move from thick, saturated grunge tones to cutting, harmonically rich textures with ease. Signature Soundgarden Aesthetic The Polara Kim Thayil Signature pays direct homage to Kim’s iconic Soundgarden era. The Black gloss polyurethane finish and gold hardware give it a bold, stage-ready look, while the custom truss rod cover and signature back plate symbols nod to the artwork from Badmotorfinger and King Animal. These details make the guitar instantly recognisable to fans and add a unique visual identity that stands apart from standard production models. Mahogany Power with Vintage Feel With a solid Mahogany body and Mahogany neck, this Polara delivers the thick, warm midrange and natural sustain that define so many classic rock and grunge tones. The 24 3/4 inch scale length and vintage soft U neck profile provide a comfortable, slightly rounded feel in the hand, ideal for big chords, dropped tunings and expressive bends. Narrow jumbo frets and a 12.5 inch radius Indian Rosewood fingerboard strike a balance between smooth chording and precise lead playing. Guild HB-1 Pickups and Phase Switch Guild’s flagship HB-1 dual-coil humbuckers are voiced to capture the warm yet articulate character of 1970s S-100 Polaras. They deliver thick, muscular rhythm tones with enough clarity to cut through dense mixes, making them perfectly suited to Kim’s heavy, textured playing style. The vintage-spec phase switch unlocks additional, more nasal and hollowed-out textures, ideal for experimental parts, layered overdubs and distinctive clean or edge-of-breakup sounds. Stable, Gig-Ready Hardware Per Kim’s request, the guitar is fitted with Grover Original Rotomatic tuners, a long-standing industry favourite for rock-solid tuning stability and smooth operation. The Tune-o-Matic bridge and compensated stopbar tailpiece provide precise intonation and reliable performance under aggressive playing. Combined with the dual-action truss rod and robust construction, this Polara is designed to handle the demands of regular gigging and heavy-handed riffing. Key Features Mahogany Body and Neck – The all-Mahogany construction delivers a rich, resonant tone with strong mids and natural sustain, perfect for thick, driving rock and grunge sounds. It gives chords real weight and presence while keeping single notes full and singing. Guild HB-1 Dual-Coil Humbuckers – Voiced after classic 70s S-100 pickups, the HB-1s combine warmth with clarity so your heavy tones stay defined. They handle high gain effortlessly yet remain articulate enough for complex chords and dynamic clean passages. Vintage Soft U Neck with Bound Rosewood Fingerboard – The vintage soft U profile offers a substantial, comfortable grip that suits both rhythm and lead players. Paired with a bound Indian Rosewood fingerboard, Pearloid block inlays and narrow jumbo frets, it feels smooth, fast and reassuringly solid under the fingers. Grover Rotomatics and Phase Switch – Grover Original Rotomatic tuners provide excellent tuning stability and easy, precise adjustments, ideal for frequent tuning changes and heavy playing…