Kim Thayil S-100 Coming

[SFIV1967]

What I've been wondering about is where they're made. Oxnard is an acoustic guitar factory with equipment, jigs, production line and a workforce that builds really nice acoustics. I believe Yamaha has a USA custom shop, don't they? It would almost make more sense to build them there, wouldn't it?

I had the same thoughts some time ago, see my post #24.

Ralf

 

[LesB3]

What I've been wondering about is where they're made. Oxnard is an acoustic guitar factory with equipment, jigs, production line and a workforce that builds really nice acoustics. I believe Yamaha has a USA custom shop, don't they? It would almost make more sense to build them there, wouldn't it?

Yeah, right there in California...
https://usa.yamaha.com/products/contents/guitars_basses/articles/craftsmanship/002/index.html

 

[Pancreas]

I recently ordered a new Kim Thayil S-100 Polara, this will be my first Guild in 30 years. I was informed that the black version (the model I ordered) is built in Indonesia, while the much more expensive white model is built in California. I am EXTREMELY exited to get my new Polara, it's actually scheduled for delivery later today.

 

[GGJaguar]

Welcome to LTG and congrats on your new KT S-100! We're looking forward to your new guitar day report. Don't forget to post some photos. We love pix!

 

[Pancreas]

Welcome to LTG and congrats on your new KT S-100! We're looking forward to your new guitar day report. Don't forget to post some photos. We love pix!

Thanks man! I've been primarily a Gibson player for many years, and I am really looking forward to getting to know this new Guild. as long as FedEx does their job properly, I'll report back later today!

 

[LesB3]

It's here!

 

[LesB3]

Did not have time to run thru its paces but my first impressions are very good. I might even say "surprised" as my recent history with Indonesian guitars has not been good.

There are a few things I don't like, there's some sort of metal flake in the finish near the tail strap pin...


...but I haven't given it a good scrub so still might be able to fix that.

The hardware looks pretty good, and feels fairly solid (another surprise).



I played this thing through my Fender Supersonic 22 and I have to admit, it's really a fun guitar. It took fuzz, distortion (Rat), and overdrive equally well, and sounds pretty good clean too. These HB1s are many levels above the HB2s that are in my Starfire. Tuners are very nice, no binding at the nut, fretboard looks and feels great.

It's a pretty guitar to look at and, with a 15% off coupon plus MF points to use, the price I paid for this probably makes it a steal.



Right now, I prefer it to my Gibson SG... I can't wait to give it a rip through my Mesa...

 

[LesB3]

Oh yeah... I *love* the phase switch on this. It sounds especially tasty through a fuzz.

 

[GGJaguar]

Looks great, congrats!

 

[Rocky]

Looks great, congrats!

His forehead is disturbing.

 

[Prince of Darkness]

Oh yeah... I *love* the phase switch on this. It sounds especially tasty through a fuzz.

I always thought it was crazy that the standard NS S-100 didn't have the phase switch!

 

[Pancreas]

Did not have time to run thru its paces but my first impressions are very good. I might even say "surprised" as my recent history with Indonesian guitars has not been good.

There are a few things I don't like, there's some sort of metal flake in the finish near the tail strap pin...


...but I haven't given it a good scrub so still might be able to fix that.

The hardware looks pretty good, and feels fairly solid (another surprise).



I played this thing through my Fender Supersonic 22 and I have to admit, it's really a fun guitar. It took fuzz, distortion (Rat), and overdrive equally well, and sounds pretty good clean too. These HB1s are many levels above the HB2s that are in my Starfire. Tuners are very nice, no binding at the nut, fretboard looks and feels great.

It's a pretty guitar to look at and, with a 15% off coupon plus MF points to use, the price I paid for this probably makes it a steal.



Right now, I prefer it to my Gibson SG... I can't wait to give it a rip through my Mesa...

Mine arrived today too! I'll post more on it later.

 

[GGJaguar]

Another NGD report to read. Huzzah!

 

[LesB3]

The neck on this guitar is on the meaty side, but I don't see that as a detriment. The frets are substantial too; I like them. Guild's website says they are "narrow jumbo." Playing this guitar is a breeze and, honestly, a joy. The action is a bit high, but nothing a few adjustments can't fix.

Well done, Guild.

 

[GGJaguar]

I like the '70s style wide headstock shape, too. I wish they'd start using it on all the Newark Street models, but I guess that would take away from the mystique of the KT Sig model.

 

[LesB3]

I always thought it was crazy that the standard NS S-100 didn't have the phase switch!

I have a Les Paul that will do the out of phase thing, but it is via push pull pots. Since all 4 pots are push pull on that thing, I'm never really sure whether it is in coil split mode, out of phase, both, etc. Too complicated! The switch makes it easy-peasy.

I like the '70s style wide headstock shape, too. I wish they'd start using it on all the Newark Street models, but I guess that would take away from the mystique of the KT Sig model.

Me too!

 

[Pancreas]

The neck on this guitar is on the meaty side, but I don't see that as a detriment. The frets are substantial too; I like them. Guild's website says they are "narrow jumbo." Playing this guitar is a breeze and, honestly, a joy. The action is a bit high, but nothing a few adjustments can't fix.

Well done, Guild.

You're absolutely right. This is the most FUN Guitar I've owned in years! It just feels effortless. I'm going to put my favorite strings (Elixir Nanowebs) on later today, make a few minor adjustments.

 

[Hammer]

The neck on this guitar is on the meaty side, but I don't see that as a detriment. The frets are substantial too; I like them. Guild's website says they are "narrow jumbo." Playing this guitar is a breeze and, honestly, a joy. The action is a bit high, but nothing a few adjustments can't fix.

Well done, Guild.

Well, that's kind of disappointing, since Kim constantly mentions how the thin neck is one of his favorite things about the guitar. Sound like it's not very in line with the "...pays tribute to Kim’s favorite features from his ’78 S-100." tagline.

 

[GGJaguar]

Kim constantly mentions how the thin neck is one of his favorite things about the guitar.

It's all subjective. We would need the neck measurements of Kim's favorite S-100 to compare to his new signature model to know for sure. You'd think Guild would have taken those measurements for the new models.

 

[LesB3]

Well, that's kind of disappointing, since Kim constantly mentions how the thin neck is one of his favorite things about the guitar. Sound like it's not very in line with the "...pays tribute to Kim’s favorite features from his ’78 S-100." tagline.

The website lists measurements for the black S-100 as:

Nut Width	1 11/16" (43mm)
Neck Thickness 1st Fret	20mm
Neck Thickness 9th Fret	23mm

On my personal guitar, I measured slightly wider at the nut (1.70" vs. 1.68"), and a hair under the numbers for frets 1 and 9, but close enough.

Interestingly, the specs for the USA (white) S-100 are:

Nut Width	1.65" (42mm)
Neck Thickness 1st Fret	20.5mm
Neck Thickness 9th Fret	21.8mm

...which would in fact be a thinner neck.

I don't have the tools to measure radius, but the black s-100 is purported to be 12.5" and the USA (white) one is 12".

It's all subjective. We would need the neck measurements of Kim's favorite S-100 to compare to his new signature model to know for sure. You'd think Guild would have taken those measurements for the new models.

Completely! Most of my guitars have slimmer necks (which I prefer because I have smaller hands). To be sure, I'm not talking about a baseball bat here, just that the neck was slightly more substantial than I would have expected.