Guild S-100 Pre 1999 v 2013

[markkatharris]

Hi I just wondered if anyone had a view on how the newer Polaris S-100 compare to the pre-1999 models when the model was discontinued. I have recently played a modern version and liked it but also remember playing many years ago the older model which I found very impressive. However, memory is a strange thing so just wanted to get opinions as I would like to buy an S-100 but want to get gemmed up before I purchase.

 

[ClaytonS15]

Well… I have played many 90s era Guilds, but never an S-100. I did own what I think was a 1972 S-90 for a number of years and am now in the process of (hopefully) buying one of the NS S-100s. It feels, neck-wise more like the old guitars than any of the 90s-early 2000s Guilds that I’ve played. I can’t figure out what it is, possibly a flatter neck radius, but I just haven’t ever bonded with the 90s-2000s ones that have come and gone from my collection.

 

[GAD]

The ‘90s S100s are the only ones I like as a player. Quality wise there’s nothing wrong with the NA models (see my reviews) but the ‘90s models are just better. They’re more well made with better parts.

As a collector nothing beats the ‘70s models but I find the necks to be too small. The wood in them is amazing, though and they feel and sound like the vintage guitars that they are.