Few guitarists are as closely tied to the sound of an era as Noel Gallagher is to the Britpop movement of the 1990s. As the chief songwriter and lead guitarist of Oasis, Noel crafted anthemic rock tunes that became generational rallying cries. But behind the wall of sound and swagger was a carefully curated selection of guitars—tools that shaped his tone and creative process. Let’s take a look at some of his most famous instruments and the albums they helped define.
Epiphone Sheraton – The ‘Definitely Maybe’ Era (1994)
Noel’s early touring and recording guitar was a Korean-made Epiphone Sheraton II in sunburst finish. Seen extensively in live performances during the Definitely Maybe tour, this semi-hollow guitar, equipped with mini-humbuckers, delivered a bright, punchy tone that cut through the band’s noisy mix.
Although he reportedly borrowed many guitars early on due to budget constraints, this Sheraton became symbolic of Oasis’ explosive debut. It’s widely believed to have been used on live takes and possibly during early studio demos.
Gibson Les Paul Standard & Custom – (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? (1995)
By the time Oasis began recording their second album, Noel had upgraded to a selection of Gibson Les Pauls. A sunburst Les Paul Standard and a black Les Paul Custom became studio workhorses during this period.
On tracks like “Don’t Look Back in Anger” and “Some Might Say,” the thick, warm tones of the Les Paul are unmistakable. Combined with Marshall amps and layered overdubs, Noel created the dense, orchestral guitar textures that defined the album’s massive sound.
Gibson ES-335 & ES-355 – Be Here Now and Beyond (1997–2000s)
Noel’s red Gibson ES-355, fitted with a Bigsby tremolo, became his signature guitar during the Be Here Now era and remained a staple throughout his Oasis and solo years. This semi-hollow beauty appeared on tours, music videos, and countless press photos.
He also used a cherry red ES-335, particularly for rhythm parts and more subdued tracks. These guitars contributed to the richer, more expansive tones of Be Here Now, where layers upon layers of guitar tracks dominated the mix.
Epiphone Supernova – Signature Model (Late 1990s)
Capitalizing on his influence, Epiphone released the Supernova—a signature model inspired by Noel’s Sheraton but with a few tweaks, including a Union Jack finish in limited editions. Though not heavily used by Noel himself, it became an aspirational piece for Oasis fans and Britpop enthusiasts.
Fender Telecasters & Strats – Standing on the Shoulder of Giants (2000)
As Oasis’ sound evolved into more psychedelic and electronic territories, so too did Noel’s guitar choices. During the Standing on the Shoulder of Giants sessions, he incorporated Fender Telecasters and Stratocasters, seeking cleaner, chimier tones.
These guitars can be heard on tracks like “Go Let It Out” and “Gas Panic!”—songs that featured layered textures and experimental production.
Gibson J-200 & Martin D-28 – Acoustic Staples
Noel has always had a strong relationship with acoustic songwriting. For both studio work and live performances, he frequently used a Gibson J-200, a large-bodied acoustic with a rich, resonant tone.
He’s also been seen with a Martin D-28, particularly during stripped-down solo sets and unplugged performances. These acoustics provided the backbone for countless Oasis anthems, including “Wonderwall,” “Talk Tonight,” and “Half the World Away.”
Post-Oasis & High Flying Birds: A Refined Arsenal
Since forming Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Noel has continued to use his Gibson ES-355, but his collection has expanded to include Nash Telecasters, custom Gibson acoustics, and even Rickenbackers for that jangly 60s flavor.
While the wall-of-sound production has mellowed, his tone remains lush, classic, and instantly recognisable. His more recent albums, including Who Built the Moon?, show a player willing to explore texture, often incorporating vintage synths and layered guitars for a broader sonic palette.
Final Thoughts
Noel Gallagher’s guitar history isn’t about flashy shredding—it’s about taste, tone, and songwriting. From Sheratons and Les Pauls to ES-355s and beyond, each guitar tells part of the story of one of Britain’s most influential guitarists. In many ways, Noel’s instruments are as iconic as the songs themselves.
