The custom pro setup package has been at the heart of our service for 30 years. (Worth over £225) and includes FREE delivery

If you have any questions or concerns regarding our service - please do click on the live chat any hour or call us on 01789 263333

Guild KIM THAYIL POLARA - Black - NEW 2023, Electric Guitar for sale at Richards Guitars.

Guild

Guild KIM THAYIL POLARA - Black - NEW 2023

Name: Guild KIM THAYIL POLARA - Black - NEW 2023
Brand: Guild
SKU: GUI-POLARA-KIMTHAYIL-BLK
Price: 924.00 GBP
Availability: InStock

Tags: +500, Guild 2024, Guild guitars, Guitar, Series: polara

£ 924.00

Check your eligibility

Fast check - won't affect your credit rating.

Description

mahogany body and neck with guild 70’s headstock

Utilizing Mahogany bodies and Guild 70’s large headstock reflect Kim’s favorite features of his ’78 S-100.

soundgarden “king animal” truss rod cover and “badmotorfinger” signature back cover

Honoring the long-standing legacy of Soundgarden’s 1991 album, “Badmotorfinger” and their 2012 album, “King Animal,” these symbols are quintessentially grunge and pay tribute to Kim and his band mates.

Additional features include a bound Rosewood fingerboard with Pearloid block inlays, Tune-o-Matic bridge & compensated stopbar tailpiece. Available in a Black gloss finish with gold hardware.

grover original rotomatics® tuners

Per Kim’s request, the signature model features Grover Original Rotomatics® tuners for stability and ease of use. Standard on vintage S-100 Polara models, these tuners are a reliable industry favorite.

guild hb-1 humbuckers with alnico ii magnets

Guild’s flagship HB-1 Humbuckers replicate the warm yet articulate timbre of 70’s S-100 Polaras. A perfect match for Kim’s heavy tones, the added clarity of the HB-1’s allow the guitar to cut through the mix. Also equipped with a phase switch, accurate to vintage spec, these features are essential to recreating the magic of Kim’s favorite S-100 Polara models.

pickup switching

1. Bridge – This position has the most bite and responds very well to distortion. Perfect for solos or in-your-face rhythm parts, the Guild HB-1 humbucker possesses the bold mid-range typical of standard humbuckers but with tighter lows and sparkling highs that don’t get brittle. Rolling down the volume on the bridge pickup produces a chiming single coil-like tone. (Phase switch does not function in this position.)

2. Bridge + Neck – In Phase – This position combines the tonalities of the neck and bridge humbuckers. Thick, creamy mids, big, round bass and clear trebles make this a great all-around tone. Vintage-style wiring allows for more interaction between the controls and a broad pallet of tonal options.

3. Bridge + Neck – Out of Phase – Flipping the phase switch entirely alters the interaction between the bridge and neck pickups. Gone are the thick, creamy mids, replaced by a hollow, thin, nasally tone. Great for funk, reggae, or anytime extra cut is needed. The interaction of the pickups can be adjusted by slightly rolling off either pickup’s volume control, bringing the pickups gradually back into phase.

4. Neck – This position produces a smooth, creamy tone great for anything from blues to singing lead tones. Where many humbuckers can get muddy in the neck position, the Guild HB-1 brings the neck position back to life with added clarity. (Phase switch does not function in this position.)

Body

Body Type	Solid Body
Body Shape	Guild Polara
Body Top	N / A (Solid Body)
Body Wood (Solid Bodies)	Mahogany
Top Bracing Pattern	N / A
Soundhole / F Holes Binding	N / A
Top Purfling Inlay	N / A
Top Binding	N / A
Body Sides	N / A (Solid Body)
Side Purfling Inlay	N / A
Body Back	N / A (Solid Body)
Back Purfling Inlay	N / A
Purfling	N / A
Body Binding	N / A

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	Blocks - Pearloid
Fingerboard Inlay Location	1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 12, 15, 17
Frets Total	22
Fret Type	Narrow Jumbo
Fingerboard Binding	Ivory ABS

Finish

Color	Black (BLK)
Finish	Gloss Polyurethane

Hardware

Bridge String Spacing	2" (50mm)
Hardware Finish / Plating	Gold
Bridge	Tune-O-Matic
Tailpiece	Guild Compensated Stopbar
Nut Material	Composite
Tuning Machines	Grover Rotomatics
Strap Buttons	Vintage Pawn
Pickguard	Polara 5-Ply Black/White/Black/White/Black

Electronics

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

Other

Strings	D'Addario EXL110 - Nickel Wound Regular Light (.010" - .046")
Included Case	N / A
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)

Custom Pro Setup Package (Total Value £225), Pro Guitar Setup for sale at Richards Guitars.

About The Custom Pro Setup & Workshop Package

I presented the following video a few years ago and realized it would be a perfect platform to help you see how, what we do is SO different from other guitar stores and it is this attention to every detail that has given us the reputation we have today, culminating over 30 years.

If you want to see what kind of thing we do during the Custom Pro Setup? Watch the following video.

Remember though, every guitar has its own story - its own idiosyncrasies that we need to focus on or adust or account for geometrically or cosmetically - so not every guitar setup & quality control process is the same or needs the same focus - but it gives you the idea of what happens.

The average time for a Custom Pro Setup is 60-90 minutes and will require a new set of strings (which of course are whatever gauge you request which you can tell us about in the order notes)

Its Not Always A Happy Ending

One of my favorite adverts was one by Honda which said at Honda they don't use the word "OK" and instead they use the phrase "What If". I LOVED that advert and found it so inspiring. This is the premise of every guitar setup we undertake. If that means rejecting guitars and starting again - that is exactly what we do.

In this video I show you a guitar that we COULD have sent out - We spent a lot of time on it - but.... I made the decision that this wasn't appropriate, as it would not be in the customer's long term interest - even if he never knew or would likely have cared.

The truth is, if I had let the guitar go out and a problem DID occur - I would know I let that guitar out in a way that could cause the problem and couldn't forgive myself!

Or you could just say your guitar will..

Sound Better
Pickups need to be balanced and adjusted accordingly for the optimum output. The height of the strings on an acoustic will effect the overal tone and volume. The break angle of string over saddle will also effect the volume, tone and energy that remains in the string. A poorly cut nut will sap tone and can cause various rattles and buzzes.

Feel Better
Mass produced guitars always suffer to a varying degree from sharp burs on the edges of the frets where they have been cut off in production. By spending time "softening" these edges it makes a massive difference to the feel of the guitar. From a sharp, scratchy feel when moving your hand up and down the fretboard to a guitar that feels like it has been played in for years.

Play Better
It is rare that there isn't a marked improvement on the playability of a guitar once it has been through our workshop. No matter what you pay whether it be £119 or £1119 every instrument new or used leaves our workshop fit to be played by beginner or professional. Of course, if you have a preference then the guitar will be setup to play just how you like it. I want the guitar to play like your guitar.

Stay In Tune - Longer
A bold claim? Not really! We pay close attention to the nut of the guitar by default when setting up our guitars. If the nut is cut too tight on the strings then they pinch (that clicky sound when you tune or detune). The clicking noise is the sound of the string pinging into position. In other words it is not moving freely so when you go to tune your guitar it will be at one pitch but when you bend the string or use the tremolo the string "pings" into its actual pitch - now out of tune! People blame the tremolo for poor tuning on guitars but it is actually usually the nut which is to blame.

Look Better
Thats right! Our guitars even look better than guitars bought from any other store!! A visual check is made on every guitar. We are always looking for cosmetic issues and will take the price into account. I have rejected "flame top" guitars with not enough flame, guitars with poorly aligned inlays, buff marks, dinks and dents - most scenarios have occurred over the years - all rejected on behalf of the customer. On guitars which may have been poorly buffed at the factory we even have a T-Cut which helps remove excess scratching to give surfaces like black gloss a wonderful pristine sheen. Every guitar we sell is polished of course and the only dust you will see on the guitar will have landed on it from the box we put it in for packing!

Need Advice? Call 01789 263333 (or open this tab)

Call us during office hours (Monday To Saturday 10-4pm) on 01789 263333
Why not book an appointment and spend a morning or afternoon in total peace and privacy? All the advice will be on hand whenever you need it
Live Help is available which is run by Jon, Jake & Richard most hours of the day 7 days a week
Richard has written many advice blogs relating to this brand, which can be found at the bottom of the page
Richard has provided many hours of advice via our Youtube page at www.youtube.com/richardsguitarshop
Special highlights are often featured on our Instagram

*FREE On ALL premium guitars

Custom Pro Setup Package

Click here for more details and many 5 star customer experiences

Custom Pro Setup & Follow Up Service Package Worth £200 (Available With NEW Guitar Purchases), Pro Guitar Setup for sale at Richards Guitars.

*available at heavily subsidized rates on all guitars where not available free of charge - and delivery is FREE too!

A beautiful guitar

I've had my eye on a Guild A150 for sometime then this one popped up at a very attractive price. I received it just after the new year and it's my Christmas present to myself. It was nicely setup, and plays extremely well. I couldn't find a blemish of any kind on the guitar and it was absolutely perfect. I've never bought a guitar that was so good on delivery. I will definitely buy again from Richards Guitars

Special guitar - Special Service

Richard Guitars were the only outlet I could find prepared to attempt to obtain a Guild Starfire VI Special on my behalf & they very quickly came up with the goods.Within 7 days this excellent guitar had arrived, fully set up, & was as good as the reviews had been.
They really care as much as they claim in their advert. Such devotion to the cause of guitar music should be praised!

Outstanding Professional Service

You will not e a better service anywhere else. Prompt communication via email on the progress of my Bass and any questions I had. Next day delivery when guitar had been set up. I’m a beginner but I am already enjoying learning how to play it, although only finger exercises at the moment. Thank you Richard’s guitars especially Jon.

Another stunning Guild

This is the second Guild that i have purchased here and once again was delivered safely,securely and excellently set up.This is another lovely instrument and the 3 pickups give a lot of tonal possibilities.I also have a vintage Guild semi,bought secondhand,back in the day,and can confirm that the new generation of this illustrious brand compare very well with those made earlier.Also,I definitely recommend this retailer to anyone looking for a quality guitar and first class service.

Excellent bass guitar & great service

Guild Starfire II bass (natural) provides the sound I've been looking for. Richards guitars provided the service that matches the quality of the product.
Guitar arrived in excellent condition, well set up & ready to play. Highly recommend this product & company.
Brilliant all round :clap:

A very satisfactory buying experience.

A beautiful and very playable guitar.Prompt delivery and perfectly set-up.

Guild starfireIV at12

Even though I had to wait quite a long time for delivery, I have to say, what a fine instrument this is . Looks fantastic, and sounds wonderful too.
Easy to play , actually it played well straight out of the box. Richard’s guitars did the set up , I couldn’t ask for any better.
Stays in tune like crazy. Great at our gigs.
Well worth the wait .
Thanks guys :+1::skin-tone-2::+1::skin-tone-2::+1::skin-tone-2::+1::skin-tone-2::+1::skin-tone-2::+1::skin-tone-2::+1::skin-tone-2:

Guild M-75

Fantastic customer support, going beyond what I’d normally expect, not only that but the guitar is exceptional and set up perfectly too.

First class from start to finish

A brilliant guitar shop run by enthusiasts who understand customer service. No money was taken until the order was despatched and my guitar arrived set up to my request and in perfect condition. Wouldn’t hesitate to buy from them again.

Thanks for the service from

Thanks for the service from you much appreciated. I had to get a set up done as it was a little out, but I always get a set up when purchasing a guitar, old or new. Thanks again :guitar::guitar:

1 2

Reviews in Other Languages

For me - there is no difference between "personal" and "business" life - It is all "my life". Interconnected and therefore highly personal. Every guitar I sell (EVERY) is one I can tell you the backstory - about the people who make them - the ethos of the brand and how they align with my own - they are a genuine personal recommendations based on 28 years in the industry.

With the industry dominated by marketing, hype, and "blinkered" brand loyalty - retailers focus on what they get asked for - with little effort in raising awareness of guitars that are better than the one you asked about. This leads to a lot of poor buying decisions!

Here is a quick introduction to the brands I often refer to as "my babies" but really you could simply refer to them as "benchmarks". Check the prices - check the specs - check the quality and back story - and find me a brand that does it better - or even close. The fact is you cant buy a bad guitar from Richards Guitars - you will only find the best - set up to your personal requirements.

My "Personal Collection"

Detail - Clarity-Power-Resonance-Beauty

Furch Changed Everything...

I introduced Furch to to the UK over 20 years ago - with my good friend Keith Twine who has since retired.

At the time I was a leading supplier of brands such as Gibson, Martin & Taylor. Experiencing Furch guitars made me realize there is what you "know" and what you "should know". Just because you DON'T - doesn't mean it doesn't exist!

What does all this mean? Forget what you think you know and open your mind to the possibility that you can find better - and we will guarantee you an experience you will never forget - with help from Furch and my other personal finds from over the decades.

Buy Furch Guitars Online

Inspirational quality, tone & feel at a price you never thought would be possible.

A Benchmark British Brand

With an incredible Back story - A Truly Brtiish yet global brand utilising the shared skills of the Gordon Smith Team in England and a small boutique workshop in China - The result? Unbelievable quality that far surpasses that of recognised mass produced brands at the same price.

Buy Auden Guitars Online

Hand Made - Standard Setting - Affordable

We Were The First UK Dealer for Eastman Guitars...

....and continue to be their largest and most experienced dealer in the UK supplying Eastman guitars throughout Europe.

Originally known for their extraordinary quality, hand made arch tops - produced by violin makers - as their reputation spread they developed into the World of electric and acoustic guitar production which continue to be made by hand.

Eastman have now become a hugely dominant force in the Guitar World producing the "best in class" in any guitar genre they opt to focus on.

Nobody knows them better or can provide you a better experience.

Whether you decide on the showroom experience or buying online you could not be in safer hands.

Buy Eastman Guitars Online

Quality - Versatility - Innovation

Canadas Finest

I have specialised in Godin guitars since 1995.

Godin have been solving problems for performing acoustic and electric guitar players for over 30 years, producing the most divine instruments which are stylish, of the highest quality whilst serving the practical needs of the modern performing professional

You could say Godin is the antithesis to Gibson! Godins reputation is built largely on the word of mouth of professionals and session musicians who need their instruments to be highly reliable and consistent night after night.

Get one in your hands, and you will soon understand their unique contribution to the evolution of the guitar.

Buy Godin Guitars Online

Perfection

Hand Made In Italy

I have to thank Stuart - Director of UK Distributor Selectron for thinking of me when he made a very special find in the guise of Luigi - A man building what can only be described as playable works of art. An extraordinary man - extraordinary guitars and I can only thank Luigi & Stuart for thinking of me as a perfect fit to help represent Luigis work in the UK.

Buy Valenti Guitars Online

Hand Made In Ukraine

Valiant Guitars

Breathtaking guitars made by men who continue their passion literally in a war zone.

The human story is inspiring but no less than the impeccable, meticulous qualitywith an enormous dash of the secret ingredient so many guitars can never find - MOJO!

View Our Valiant Guitars

The most comprehensive collection of affordable electric guitars money can buy.

We will help you find The best playing - Affordable electric guitar

I have been promoting Vintage brand guitars since the day they were "born" some 20+ years ago! In this time they have just got better... and better... and better! Not just that but the range has just become EPIC. Something for everyone!!

In the past couple of years ProShop has become one of the mmost exciting UK hand built guitars- using the Vintage range as the building blocks to create wonderful and exciting guitars that would normally cost thousands of pounds.

Buy Vintage Brand Guitars Online

Hand Made Ultimate Luxury Leather Guitar Straps

You will see so many marketing stories and false claims of hand made guitar straps in the UK - often with a massive premium price tag added.

TRUST ME - THESE ARE...

The finest hand made leather guitar straps money can buy

Hand made in Walsall using traditional tooling methods by own of the UKs greatest horse sadlers.

Memory foam insert ensures premium comfort - These straps will last you a lifetime.

Learn More

Interest free credit agreements provided by Zopa Bank Limited trading as DivideBuy that are 12 months or less in duration are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and do not fall under the jurisdiction of the Financial Ombudsman Service. Zopa Bank Limited trading as DivideBuy is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority, and entered on the Financial Services Register (800542). Zopa Bank Limited (10627575) is incorporated in England & Wales and has its registered office at: 1st Floor, Cottons Centre, Tooley Street, London, SE1 2QG. VAT Number 281765280. DivideBuy's trading address is First Floor, Brunswick Court, Brunswick Street, Newcastle-under-Lyme, ST5 1HH. © Zopa Bank Limited 2024. All rights reserved.

Dowina sol GACWalnut

I' wasn't expecting that! I'm completely blown away. A truly amazing guitar. Beautiful and beautifully made. A real pleasure to play. I used to play sporadically, I now play every day, I cannot put it down and my playing has improved tenfold. Thank you Dowina and thank you Richard.

Unbelievable Guitar

This is an unbelievable Guitar for the price point. Highly recommended even for experienced players.

Fantastic Service & a Beautiful Instrument- Aotearoa - New Zealand

Outstanding service from Richards Guitars. Seamless from payment to delivery .
I have had my eye on Sauvage Brankowood series since they were introduced. They are not available in N.Z.
The team at Richards Guitars meticulously setup the guitar, they were almost ready to send it when they discovered a slight flaw so they rejected the original instrument and started again with a new one. It arrived on my doorstep in pristine condition. The cardboard box took a bit of a hit somewhere on route, however the super high-quality Lag gig bag protected it from any damage.

It looks even better than in the photographs. The textured sides and back give it a very pleasing and tactile appearance. It visually stands out from the crowd. It has a beautiful warm tone and if you need to create some noise it can crank out the volume, no problem. It's smaller size make it easier take places.
I am really enjoying playing it. I've been sitting outside in the warm summer evenings, playing it on the balcony, doesn't get much better.

It will be an heirloom to pass on to the grandchildren.
So thanks to Richard & Jon and the team. Really appreciate your passion and dedication.

Not an Entry Level Guitar

After spending a good 3 hours playing various Furch Eastman and Dowina guitars available in the shop I kept returning to two. A lovely Dowina (Moon spruce/ Paduak) and what I eventually bought, the Furch Blue Oc cm.
Now I’d given myself a budget of up to £2000 which meant there were good choices open to me, the aforementioned Dowina unfortunately was a little over that.
But, what if had in mind before I’d even arrived at the shop was to looking to buy a Furch with the new CNR ACTIVE system in place and find out how Furch guitars sounded and played with my own ears, and fingers.
So here is my opinion on the Furch Blue Om c/m.
This is NO entry level guitar, this guitar is built to such a high standard, even without any glitzy bits, this has a beauty all its own, and sounds and plays so beautifully…. Any professional/studio musician would be happy to be playing with this fantastic tone instrument.
Also the absolute friendliness and professionalism I received as a customer at Richard’s Guitars was a delight, and special shout out to Jake who with only the information of me wanting an Om size guitar Pulled the guitar I ended up buying out of the fresh deliveries and set it up ready for my arrival with another 4 or 5 similar ones.
What can I say other than it will be a cherished memory that I hope to repeat in the near future.
Mark

Great service

The guitar is great, and the shipping and availability of the staff was very nice! Thanks team!

Excellent guitar for the price 😀

This is my first Furch guitar and I’m delighted with my purchase. This is one in their low/mid price range but sounds as good (or better) than my Taylor 614ce and quite definitely plays better straight out of the box. In the past few years having also purchased Eastman instruments I have come to the conclusion that US manufacturers just don’t offer anything to justify their pricing.

Am more than happy with the guitar ,was a great experience buying and delivery was as they described. They have even said they will send me a guitar strap when they get the one i wanted delivered. Would recommend.

It's a jungle out there! Sometimes you need a gig bag and this one hits the spot.

It's a decent gig bag for the price. It looks cool and does the job nicely.

Smooth, like melting butter

A good set up makes a world of difference and I am excited about how well this guitar plays. Thank you for such attention to detail.

Great Guitar, Great Service, Great Experience!

This guitar is fantastic! It has been expertly set up and I am very happy with it. It is indeed fortunate that it arrived in such good condition as the packaging was notably sub par. I was surprised to find that the guitar was not shipped inside the padded gig bag I purchased, but it arrived well so all is good. I especially appreciate the professional level of communication from the shop. I will happily buy more guitars here in the future.