Before you buy an SG - Guild Kim Thayil Polara

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Get the Guild Kim Thayil Polara at Sweetwater (US) - sweetwater.sjv.io/Kjbk6e Get the Guild Kim Thayil Polara at Thomann (EU) - thmn.to/thoprod/565206?offid=1&affid=288 Enter my latest Giveaway - elkqr.link/rmqj5

[@PXR5-PXR5]

Didnt knew you had an nob fretish 😆

[@garydonahue2231]

The Truss Rod Cover isn't upside down. The shape of the TRC matches the shape of the headstock on a Guild. A lot of people flip them over because they're used to Gibsons, but it's not a Gibson. So now your TRC is on upside down. :) Edited to ad: As someone who writes guitar reviews, good job on the details! Most people don't bother opening the cavity and commenting on the electronics. I love that!

[@TheGuitarGeek]

I found your guitar reviews. That is some good detail!

[@baj5025]

I got this guitar several months ago. It's very well built, and for some reason, always sounds dirty to me. Even playing clean. It just wants to Soundgarden for some reason :)

[@gathda]

I bought the white version a month ago and absolutely love it. The fit and finish on mine is spot on.

[@Anson120]

Lucky!

[@albertmarkethinkpr1325]

After a bitter dissapointment with the Ibanez IC420 I got rid of it and will order both black and white models. Tell me, is this Guild Polara made by Yamaha Corp or even asociated with them ?

[@caiusmadison2996]

​@@albertmarkethinkpr1325 Yes, as of 2023, they own Guild, Cordoba, and DeArmond pickups and Guitars.

[@matthewvalenti1348]

@albertmarkethinkpr1325 Yamaha does own Guild right now, yes.

[@betterl8thannvr]

I decided on a Polara Deluxe to save a couple hundred over the Kim Thayil version and have no regrets. I can add a phase switch if I decide I want it, and it has coil splitting.

[@brycemooreguitar]

Ive had my guild polara for about 8 years and its by far one of my favorite guitars

[@H_Oscarsson]

I got this guitar when they released it. It's the absolute best guitar I've ever owned. Beats Gibson every day of the week!

[@Marta1Buck]

Beating Gibson is pretty low standard nowadays.

[@H_Oscarsson]

@@Marta1Buck It beats my 70's Les Paul Custom and every other Gibson I've ever owned since (80's, 90's % 2000's)

[@bee663]

Wow thanks this is good to know as I am looking to get my hands on an SG type guitar next. I’ll definitely try the polara

[@caiusmadison2996]

​@bee663 Guild tends to be a much more rock sounding guitar than it's Gibson counterpart. All the mean rock riffs, will come off stronger with Guild in my opinion. Used to like Les Pauls, they suck compared to a BluesBird. Or a Nightbird, their Jr/Special variation that stays true to the shape and size of its BluesBird counterpart. Anyways, if ya ever see one of the originals (Non Newark Street versions) try them, they're unbeatable.

[@94SexyStang]

yeah BULLSHIT......I have a Gibson and Guild, I assure you, it's NOT better, period, The End......just because you can't afford a Gibson, doesn't mean you have to be bitter or jealous. Everything is better than a Gibson if you have Never owned one, everything is always the "best" when you have nothing Better to compare it to! Period.

[@tan-jello]

i'm rarely a fan of artist models. Your review has made me want one of these. The tata bounce strap test sealed the deal. Great job.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Glad it helped! 😂

[@tan-jello]

@@TheGuitarGeek 🤘🏿🤜🏿🤛🏿😄

[@Bliggick]

As a Polara owner since 1996 let me inform you what you are in for if you buy one of these. First the good compared to an SG: I like how the input jack is not jammed so close to the tone knobs like on an SG. And that's about it for the pros, except maybe the added phase switch. And now the cons: It is a decidedly a slimmer neck, at least on the one I own. If you like that, well, this may be the guitar for you. After the 17th fret the real problems start. I thought the whole advantage of this type of guitar was the access to the upper frets compared to a guitar like a Les Paul. So why did Guild not put inlays and fret marker dots at the 19th and 21st frets? Are they challenging us not to get lost if we go shooting up there? Also while you're at it don't whack your lower thumb joint against that strap button that is mounted at the start of the neck heel. Also, you suddenly go from a slim neck to a massively thick neck heel that is flush with the back of the guitar, it's like hitting a speed bump in you car. A long time ago I had a luthier install the missing dots and inlays plus move the strap button into the body of the guitar and he did a fine job, but there is nothing that could be done about the slim neck and massive neck heel. You have been warned.

[@adamwatson6916]

The pickups on the guld are farther from the bridge like on a 70s Sg so it has more low end and low mid range .

[@Vidar.m]

Saw theres a yellow guild polara without stoptail, its string true, looked wicked cool. 😍

[@saarangnarayan123]

The gold dot markers for the knobs are really great. I have a small black dot on most of my guitars made with a sharpie for the same purpose! This looks like an excellent guitar!

[@scottbussey499]

I played one of these in Nashville a couple of weeks ago and it was really cool. I want to get one of the white ones.

[@hailmaryrecordings8255]

I had a 2000 Guild Blues-90 (one of the last built in the old Guild factory, prior to Fender buying them) that I sold in a panic when Covid hit .. dumb move, great guitar.

[@caiusmadison2996]

I has a 99' last year Blues Bird, unfortunately it's hamburgers but it's the AAA flametop version in Chrome Cherry Burst. Very good guitar, I don't think I've encountered it's equal out there, it's a huge quality boost above anything similar to it. It can beat down McCarty SC and the Les Paul Premium Plus Classic from 95' I have (solid Good Wood guitar, and it's nothing by comparison).

[@PooNinja]

Mmm guild makes beautiful instruments. This is no exception.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Hummingbird soup!

[@PooNinja]

@@TheGuitarGeek thats good soup 😂

[@Robstafarian]

With love and respect, do not measure the DC resistance of pickups through a cable if you plan to open the control cavity anyway. Also, budget for an LCR meter (e.g. IET DE-5000 or Extech LCR200, testing at 120Hz) if you enjoy measuring pickups: inductance (L) is by far a pickup's most-important attribute with regard to its output level and general tonality (e.g. bright or dark).

[@TomTobin67]

The only thing I would change on that guitar is i would move the jack to the side of the body and put a varitone in its place.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Oh i really like that idea

[@traviswaynedoyle]

I've been trying to decide between an Epiphone SG or Guild Polara Deluxe. I've been leaning towards a Polara. This video helps in my decision making. Thx!

[@TheGuitarGeek]

you are very welcome!

[@sid35gb]

I’d go for the guild. Epiphone aren’t anything special.

[@betterl8thannvr]

I played both before I bought a Polara deluxe in canyon dusk, and it's no contest. The guild sounds better, feels better, looks better than the Epi, and I actually liked the Epi

[@jjulch]

A former employee of Gibson helped design this model. Mr. Ren Wall went to Guild for a short time to create this model. He came back to Kalamazoo to help start Heritage guitars in 1984. The upside down truss rod cover is intentionally as it supposed to match the headstock.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

I had no idea about the designer coming from Gibson.

[@Jack-b6g7j]

That Guild has a cool growl. A little bluesy?

[@cloudboy7750]

I have a 2017 standard Polara which was made in Korea, and it's superb. The Polara is such a sleeper guitar that deserves more love than it gets 🙂

[@nellayema2455]

Very cool! I had the 2000 DeArmond S-73 version of the Polara that had U.S. Made Gold Tone pups. The guitar was MIK. I loved it for 20 years before trading it and a MIM Strat to my brother for an SG.

[@iamoption11]

I just picked up a Guild polara limited basically the same guitar except for a Fuze switch it has the push pull pots thing plays rock to blues those LB1 are really great

[@msaintpc]

That Gibson SG is absolutely beautiful.

[@pgroove163]

@@msaintpc agree...so is this axe

[@thseed7]

I love Guild. I've owned a couple of their acoustics and very much want to check out the electrics they've been doing lately. The Thayil doesn't have the edge carve like the SG. That may be why it feels thicker/more substantial.

[@Zoso981]

I own this guitar. I play this guitar. I love this guitar.

[@matthewbriggsguitar]

I'm glad you were able to review this guitar Andy. I bought mine last year and its my favorite and best playing guitar (and that's including my custom G&L). I did not realize it was Indonesian though, I thought it was Chinese (hope I didn't say that in my video on it). But it really does the job of being a Kim Thayil sig, especially if you're a Soundgarden fan. I'm kind of surprised Holy Water is your favorite riff of theirs, that's a fantastic deep cut!

[@cvp1969]

I bought a white version that was collecting dust at Guitar Center- marked down to $799. I love it so much I think I want the black one now.!

[@SamBrockmann]

I think, if this was given a cleanup and setup, by a guitar tech, then this would be amazing. For example, that onr switch needs some love.

[@matthewridgeway9250]

I got my Gibbo SG '61 reissue a few years ago. It is absolutely brilliant. But that rig looks the bizz too. I want an SG with wrap-around bridge and P90s too. Then I am SG set for life. Not worried which maker makes it, set neck or bolt on, not worried. I'll buy it when it comes.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

I think we could be friends

[@thunderbirdcalls]

Andy, I was looking at buying either a Guild or a Gretsch. This is making me think more along the lines of a Guild...

[@gathda]

I just bought both this guitar (in white) and a Gretsch. Both are very nice guitars. If I had only to pick one, it would probably be the Guild, but it would be a tough call. You can't go wrong with either brand, in my opinion.

[@cambian]

The DeArmond Gold Tone pickups from the later 90s-early 2000s have those type pickup rings with the tilt adjustment. If you can find any of those pickups, give them a try - they are great! Nice video!

[@jimcunningham5376]

I have 2014 reissue .it is the best guitar I've ever owned but not the most expensive one.

[@GuajoloteGonzales]

Today i checked out this guitar and i absolutely loved it! The D shaped neck feels totally comfortable for my small hands, the sound of the HB-1s is always great, i also checked out the phase switch and it didn't sound as thin as yours, so probably is a factory error or something like that.

[@branmacman]

I picked up the dusk one and it really is amazing at how much it feels like an authentic gibson but it adds more dynamics with the low tones and mids. But if you want, you can replicate that Angus Young sound with it and thats all I need.

[@branmacman]

Btw the neck is fatter then a gibsons lol

[@martinclayton7260]

I really really really want that guitar! As soon as I saw them, I wanted it! They look amazing, and sound fantastic.

[@DA-fx2wl]

Funny, I bought an affinity squier Starcaster the other day and it was packaged in exactly the same way.

[@jimotten3780]

Just got the Tony Iommi Epi sg, but this one sounds pretty sick as well. 🤘🏻

[@skye7690]

Fantastic review, thank you.

[@danielgrove7782]

Heard a local band 1 guild 1 prs...prs sounded fine the guild stood out warm but nice chime on top

[@jaywishmaster1984]

The bridge pickup on the SG looks closer to the bridge compared to the Guild. That will add to the difference in tone.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

you are right!

[@deandee8082]

the rosewood fingerboard if that is rosewood has a knot down by the 19th fret, hi E side . .

[@andyrogers990]

Nice review. I got my one second hand off Colin the guitarista who was having a clear out - fab quality and a lot of fun

[@allanflippin2453]

Andy, Thanks so much for this review! I'm a long-time Guild fan, although originally it was all acoustics. Guild 12-string acoustics are glorious beasties. I also have a Guild hollowbody from the 60's called a "Slim Jim" with a Guild-branded Bigsby. I've considered selling it so some collector who could appreciate it properly. However, I can't find anything else that makes the same sound! Guilds are great underrated guitars.

[@Csharpflat5]

I always liked these nearly got in 1982 mahogany body

[@TheGuitarGeek]

I am looking for an older one now too.

[@darklight4815]

That does look beautiful... almost makes me want an SG shaped object in my life

[@keithhampton9700]

Anything Guild is really great!!! My first Bass was a B 302! Sold it for a bag of smiles .

[@DrTomoculus]

I love Guild instruments. It's quite frankly the way their logo sits atop the headstock. It's classy as hell. I have a Guild Thunderbird S200. I bought it for 3 reasons. I love Guild. Muddy Waters. An alternative to the common Jazzmaster / Jaguar. I'm not trying to be all anti-Fender or anything, I don't own either a Jazzmaster or a Jaguar, but I'd love to get a Jaguar one day. Anyway!!!! For those 3 reasons I picked up the S200. It is absolutely a blues guitar. Like an authentic blues guitar. But I've often used it for the more "stranger" or "abstract" guitar tones on songs I've used it on. GhOsTBoNeS on my channel is almost entirely the S200, with rhythm from an Epiphone SG Special. It works on this kind of stuff because of its similar electronics to the Jazzmaster / Jaguar, with rhythm circuit etc., What I liked about the Polara, is it seems to be "many" guitars. There were moments it sounded like a Telecaster. Other times, a SG. It just seems like it can do a lot of different things

[@adamfindlay7091]

Sounds good, is it playable? Im anew; Guild, Music Man, etc aregolden...

[@greatvanzini]

I have no idea who Kim is but would love one in color.

[@NiqScott]

I love Guild guitars. I had an S300 Polara in 1979. Different shape back then, but vastly underrated guitars.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

I’m now also looking at a vintage one… hide the credit card!

[@NiqScott]

@@TheGuitarGeek I'm pretty sure they're still affordable. The shape puts a lot of people off, which is great news for people like me who love it. Shame the same isn't true for the Gibson RD.

[@NiqScott]

@@TheGuitarGeek There's a nice black 1977 S300 in France for fifteen hundred nicker. What're you waiting for!

[@RtyuiAEIOU]

nice man i wonder how epi/gibson sg would sound like if they design the bridge pickup slightly away from the tom bridge :)

[@Anson120]

Anyone hear Kim's Probot King Diamond solo. So rad!

[@MrGdong]

guild are great, ive got a starfire 1 and its incredible, especially for the price point

[@keithferris9574]

Same here. Phenomenal sounding guitar.

[@doctorskull8197]

Still have one from 1975. Never get rid of it.

[@lone-wolf-1]

Oh I like this guitar very much! Very LesPaulish indeed. Great fat sound and appealing body shape (for me). Only the tilt back tailpiece is botherjng my eyes, would have it rather tilted dynamically forward complimenting the slight offset body shape. 21:41 "switch that switch" 😅👌 Thank you Andy for the great presentation! 👍

[@TheGuitarGeek]

The tailpiece is angled that way to increase the length of the bass strings. It may not look as pleasing but the angle is for sound rather than looks. I would prefer it the other way but I will take sound over looks in this case

[@TheASMRGuitarist]

Love your channel GG! Your reviews are very thorough and I love that. You're the reason I bought my Walrus Audio Fable, one of the greatest pedals EVER imho. This axe sounds great. If it came in a seven string I'd probably buy one.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

thanks! a seven string would mean instant purchase i think.

[@caiusmadison2996]

Not a fam of 7 string widths, they mess with me bad. Seems like it'd be an adjustment and done, but that width destroys my connection hilariously easily, and I just don't gel with it as a result. However, I do drop down multiple instruments I've got to reach those depths.

[@TheASMRGuitarist]

@@caiusmadison2996 I know what you mean. I played six string guitars for decades and only recently got my first seven string. It definitely took some getting used to, but after a while I adjusted and it was fine. Someday I wanna give an eight string a try just to see if it defeats me or not. 😁

[@tommygordon5125]

I already bought an SG but don't worry , liked and watched anyway.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Me too. There’s room for both 😂

[@tommygordon5125]

@@TheGuitarGeek Soundgarden shaped my youth too , that sounds very nice.

[@lukegoffkat]

I like the pantyhose fret end test. I'm sure my guitars would fail this test, yes even my M 1999 Strat. lol I'll have to start doing this when I'm building. Thanks! I love your videos!

[@vinniesworld459]

Oh man.. I wanted a s-100 sooo bad when I was in highschool - if these existed back in the day, I would've gladly taken this over my first decent guitar (a mim strat). Didn't know much about guitars back then and only found out about the s-100 through the free Fender catalogue that came with the strat (which I kept in my mom's car so I could re-read everyday on my way to school). The band I was in played Soundgarden back then too and a s-100 just felt so unattainable as a highschool student. Also with no internet back then... trying to play Soundgarden tunes with a strat that required drop D (let alone B!!) was a complete nightmare. The variety of gear available at different price points has really come a long way!

[@HalfpennyTerwilliger]

Nice thorough review. I'm not a diehard Soundgarden fan but I like how that guitar sounds.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Thanks! I hate to say it but there is space in my collection for this model. I really didn't think it would sound that different to the SG.

[@CJhasthoughts]

I got this exact model a little more than a month ago ... and all my other guitars are lonely now. It's sad...

[@drsardonicus2491]

I've got a guild sg in white and black, its not a Kim thayil Sig though. Got it in a pawn shop in mint condition with a gig bag.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Is it an old one?

[@eddiejr540]

I was just listening to Super Unknown today…I really like that guitar…well done Andy👍

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Many thanks!! I was also listening to that during the filming!

[@explorervango880]

I have several SGs. The 61 Standard blows all of these away (mine has the vibrola). Not that I’m against any of them. And why did Thomann stop carrying Maybach before I could order a couple of them I’ve had my eyes on?

[@spearchuckerbear2817]

Beautiful playing Andy

[@dragan4658]

7 lbs is not a bad weight but the Sg is one lb lighter which is quite a lot. A nice guitar nonetheless! Very good job showcasing this very nice instrument Andy!

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Yeah, the weight difference doesn't feel extreme but it is noticable. Thanks!

[@igorstavtsev5962]

One of the best tones you managed to get…in my humble opinion. Great guitar, this over Epi for sure!

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Thanks man.

[@julianlopez85]

Andy bro you should do a gibson sg vs epiphone sg vs poloara vs revstar. This would be awesome to watch : )

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Cool idea! I did just make this - kzbin.infoCvBCvwryZ0M

[@julianlopez85]

@@TheGuitarGeek my bad must've missed this in my feed. Great work as always

[@davestein940]

Im proud of anybody clever enough to make money in the music bizz...its almost impossible. Check out some of Beatos programs....he lays it all out for us! And sir ..keep pushing gear..your real honest and entertaining.. Rock on!! PS..im 74...its all good...

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Thanks for sharing!

[@fantomas9240]

Thanks for the video Andy, I always loce Guild guitar. Quality seems to be here (except for the tiny switch), not really surprised, Guild is owned by Yamaha ^^

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Yeah the quality is there for sure. I THINK the switch will be ok but it wouldn’t hurt to put a better one in there

[@AnnoDomini-l3u]

Personally Guild 💯 % I think I'm going to look one of these up. Thumbs up subbed Great video

[@StratsRUs]

Gibson sounds more Classic sound.I have 2 Tribute SG's, one HB the other P90.They sound excellent.And they are light !

[@TheGuitarGeek]

absolutely.

[@skye7690]

7:20 Cool!

[@gabet1075]

If I wanted to tune the low E down to A (I like playing around with "More Than I Could Chew" by Mastadon), would that work on this. You mentioned the lower tuning seeming to give the guitar an issue and I just wanted to clarify.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

There was no issue from tuning the guitar lower. I don't remember saying that. You will be fine!

[@gabet1075]

@@TheGuitarGeek Thank you so much. Great review!

[@werewolfonwheels]

I have one of these (and LOVE it) and mainly play in Drop A tuning. I use Ernie Ball Magnum 12-56 with a wound 3rd. I did a small bit of filing to the nut and have zero issues. It's a beast and growls like a mythical creature let loose from the underworld.

[@adamwatson6916]

The guild sounds like a typical Guild SG styke guitar . There isn't really anything specifically Kim Thayil about the soound of the guitar . The pickups are just standard guild pickups just like the stock guild pickups in Kim Thayils actull Guild guitars.

[@mjhastings4534]

I had a red one when they came with a case it was beautiful but had to move on

[@TheGuitarGeek]

oh sad times!

[@mjhastings4534]

It was the korean made one 😢😢😢​@@TheGuitarGeek

[@rickc2102]

sg neck pup too close to bridge woulda tried some peter green with that out of phase switch

[@Robdarian]

When did you receive this? I ordered mine in November and still haven't gotten mine.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

They are in stock at Thomann and Sweetwater

[@macshyha]

Gretch packs their guitars in similar way. Are those two companies/brands related somehow?

[@HalfpennyTerwilliger]

There's no direct link between the companies. Gretsch is privately owned by the Gretsch family, Guild is now a Yamaha subsidiary. Either it's a coincidence or maybe some of their guitars are made in the same factory since both Gretsch and Guild have some of their guitars made in Indonesia.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

I would say it is down to the factory they are made in.

[@macshyha]

@@HalfpennyTerwilliger thanks! could be!

[@macshyha]

@@TheGuitarGeek Makes sense! Also both (this guitar and generally all Gretches) have this one thing so visibly common - the pickup style. I guess it's totally irrelevant but let's make it a +1 for this scenario :)

[@slider3215]

Great review..as always.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

I appreciate that

[@baleek]

Received a Polara S 100 recently. Made the same statement than you, that's funny .

[@Terry3Gs]

Nice job on this andy !!

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Thank you!

[@andrewmorgan1640]

“Heaven send, Hell away, No one sings like you anymore” oh man I want one.

[@AugustLeeFrisk]

I bet it does Sabbath well.

[@RussInCanada]

Tailpiece on the US model is a lot further away from the bridge than on the import model.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Super interesting! Thank you

[@RussInCanada]

A design difference that costs $0, but if you want to do Kim Thayill behind the bridge stuff, it's going to cost you $4k.

[@Flaseflag911insidejob]

When I watch this channel .. I sometimes drift off and think I am watching Blue Peter like I did as a child. Is that good or bad?

[@TheGuitarGeek]

I always wanted to be on blue Peter

[@Pladderkasse]

The Gibson has more focused midrange and will sit better in the mix, I bet.

[@TomTobin67]

Is that bell cover for the bell end? 😂

[@TheGuitarGeek]

:-D

[@TheDrunkenScoundrel]

My first good guitar was a sort of predecessor to this the oddly shaped Guild S-300. I had it for over 30 years until someone stole it in 2018. If anyone see one floating around with all the paint stripped off and an aftermarket Kahler added, hit me up....

[@TheGuitarGeek]

I’m so sorry to read this. I did some research into the S-300 after this video and now I’m gassing for one. If I find yours, I’ll make sure to contact you

[@kicsisziszi]

Manufacturers must focus on SG style guitars more than in the last few years.

[@thisdyingsoul76]

Is silica gel the new Tide Pods? 😂

[@t0msie]

I'm gassing hard for a non sig one in cherry.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

If these sound as good, they would also be a great option.

[@friedrich1957]

I passed on one of these in the late 70s...shoulda bought it...for $175.smh

[@nankypooh655]

Guild makes great guitars, but a bit too expensive for my budget right now.

[@Krullmatic]

I was hoping somebody that I watched would review this! Edit: Just buy it! It's definitely affordable.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Great! It's not a no brainer price but I think it is priced about right.

[@youredumb7938]

Where is this made?

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Watch the video…

[@youredumb7938]

@@TheGuitarGeek yeah, no.

[@matthewvalenti1348]

@youredumb7938 then learn to use Google, you stupid bitch.

[@johncollins5552]

Like the guitar but hate gold hardware it doesnt wear well.

[@MrJackrockerman]

Build quality 👍👍

[@11000038]

Just get an SG. Angus, Frank, and Tony aren't wrong. And you'll be able to sell it in a few years when you need the money! 😀

[@matthewvalenti1348]

“just spend twice as much for a name on a headstock instead of a good guitar”

[@cholling1]

@@11000038 if by Frank you mean Zappa, the "Baby Snakes" guitar was an SG copy.

[@werewolfonwheels]

Or buy the Guild and you won't want to sell in a few years, haha.

[@silvermediastudio]

Ribbed knobs?