Hi Guys, this is Dani writing, guitar player of The Lords Of Altamont. I endorse Guild guitars. I recently toured with a S100 NS as main guitar. I used it 100% stock. I am very happy with the guitar performance and I am still satisfied how the guitars feels and sounds.
As you all, I am a guitar fanatic. So I had to ask the Guild guys why they made certain choices in the NS (poly, humbuckers, etc). They were very open and sincerely said that with that price as a target they could not offer nitro finish or hand-soldiered circuit. Personally I do not fight the poly-nitro war, although I do like nitro better (and naked wood even better!). But when selecting a guitar the most important factors for me are: neck feel, fretwork, reliable hardware (tuners, bridge, etc), pickups. I played this guitar every night for 3 weeks in a row while on tour with a Marshall JPM2203, custom 18w plexy style and Vox AC30. Mainly no effects or clean booster only. I liked how the S100 sounded. And I got a lot of good comments about my sounds from fellow musicians or fans. My experience with vintage Guild is very limited so I cannot compare. But I like the wider neck, Gibson style. It is better balanced than a SG and I like the thicker body. Really in between a LP and a SG. I will be happy to share my experience with you. So if you have specific questions let me know. I am not biased by the fact that I endorse it. I do play other brands too (mainly Gibson) live and the Guild guys are aware of it...