How annoying are guitar stands? Wouldn't it be so much easier if your guitar had a kickstand built into the back? Well, this line of thinking brought about the Guild S-100 Polara in 1963. This solid-body electric was intended to appeal to the budding rock n roll generation—young kids, mostly, who might find a built-in stand more convenient.
The S-100 Polara has a way cool asymmetrical body, and most Polaras have an asymmetrical 3x3 headstock that matches the body shape. But for a short time in the mid-'60s, Guild used a wild six-in-line headstock with a flashy Flame Maple veneer. Although rare, this particular iteration of the S-100 is the coolest!
This Guild S-100 Polara dates to late '65/early '66, and it features the cool six-in-line headstock. At some point along the way, the body was routed to accommodate standard-size humbuckers, and it currently has two Gibson USA '57 Classics from 2014. Three of the pots date to the 43rd week of '65, and one of the pots is a modern CTS replacement. The red switch is set up to tap the coils of the pickups. It still has its original Hagstrom bridge and tailpiece, but the tremolo arm is missing.
This '66 S-100 Polara came to us set up as a Baritone, tuned down low B to B. Because of the short (for a baritone) scale length, it feels really easy to play, and the pickups—with coil tap switch—give you a lot of territory to explore the lower register. All around, it's a cool Baritone with its own vibe and character..
Cosmetically, this old Guild shows the expected wear and tear of a vintage guitar, and that just adds to the mojo. No damages, breaks, or issues, but at some point along the way someone etched some numbers into the back of the headstock. The original "kickstand" works just fine, but it is taped to the body so it doesn't flop open while you're playing it. The guitar includes a '60s Guild Polara case to complete the package. This '66 S-100 Polara is one of the coolest—and quirkiest—guitars in the shop. Scoop it up before it gets gone!