[Noel Gallagher] How to Recreate the Oasis Sound + Guitar Gear and Tone Settings [Effects & Amps]

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Introduction (Overview of Tone)

Noel Gallagher is the driving force behind Oasis, a band that epitomizes 90s UK rock. His sound design is characterized by simplicity, utilizing straightforward chord progressions and bold sonic structures that have captivated listeners worldwide.

In the iconic track “Wonderwall,” Gallagher combines acoustic guitar with atmospheric effects to create a memorable resonance, while songs like “Champagne Supernova” and “Don’t Look Back in Anger” showcase thick electric sounds that culminated in the legendary Knebworth ’96 concert.

Gallagher’s sound is defined by a “wall-like chord sound” and a melodic feel embedded in simple phrases. His style focuses more on powerful chord strumming layered with reverb and delay, crafting anthemic atmospheres rather than fast single-note runs. Additionally, his unique low picking attack and mix positioning set him apart from other guitarists.

From the 90s to the 2025 reunion, Gallagher has utilized a variety of guitars and amplifiers. In the early days, he primarily used Epiphone semi-hollow bodies, later incorporating Rickenbacker and Gibson ES-355 models in the 2000s. Currently, he employs a new Les Paul P-90 model and his signature Riviera on tour.

His sound tendencies emphasize “the accessibility of rock” and “simplicity,” making it a style many amateur and professional guitarists aspire to replicate. Notably, the “raw crunch to clean” sound centered around Marshall and Vox amplifiers creates the thickness characteristic of Oasis.

In the following sections, we will delve into a detailed list of amplifiers, guitars, and effects used by Gallagher, exploring how to recreate his sound effectively.

▶ Search official YouTube videos of Oasis

List of Amplifiers and Features

Noel Gallagher’s choice of amplifiers is a crucial element in shaping his sound. Throughout his career, from the early days of Oasis to the current reunion tour, he has frequently used iconic British brands such as Marshall, Vox, Orange, and Hiwatt to create a sound that is both simple and overwhelmingly powerful.

During the early “Definitely Maybe” period, the Marshall Valvestate 8080 was one of the primary recording amplifiers used, blended with a WEM Dominator MkIII to achieve a distinctive crunch tone. The sound from this period is raw yet aggressive, symbolizing the gritty atmosphere of their debut album.

For live performances, Gallagher owned multiple Vox AC50 heads, temporarily incorporating the Vox Conqueror before ultimately shifting to the AC50. After 1994, he also began using the Orange OR-120, which emphasized a loud and thick midrange sound that overwhelmed audiences. The “wall-like chord feel” of the Oasis sound is significantly supported by this combination.

In recent years, Gallagher has made the Hiwatt Custom 50 2×12 Combo his main amplifier since 2018, utilizing its thickness and resolution for clean to crunch sounds. He has also reportedly blended in a Fender Blues Junior for studio recordings, contributing to the nuances of his sound.

Notably, the backline revealed during the 2025 Oasis reunion tour featured a combination of Marshall Studio Vintage SV20C ×2 and Hiwatt Custom 50 ×2, merging the power of classic British rock with the stability of modern equipment. This setup represents the culmination of Gallagher’s pursuit of “thick crunch and expansive clean” tones.

In summary, Gallagher’s amplifier journey has evolved from the raw Valvestate era to the explosive Orange period, then to the high-resolution Hiwatt phase, culminating in the combination of Marshall and Hiwatt during the reunion. These choices reflect his consistent goal of maximizing the resonance of simple chords in stadium-sized venues, embodying his musical essence.

Types of Guitars Used and Features

When discussing Noel Gallagher’s sound, his choice of guitars is particularly striking. Throughout his career with Oasis, he has utilized iconic brands like Epiphone and Gibson, adapting his sound and visuals over the years.

In the early days, during tracks like “Supersonic” and the “Definitely Maybe” era, Gallagher used the Epiphone EA-250 (red semi-hollow) and Epiphone Les Paul (sunburst LP), symbolizing the rough and raw beginnings of Britpop. Additionally, he is known to have borrowed a Gibson Flying V from Johnny Marr for sessions, marking a rock-inspired anecdote from his early career.

During the period of “(What’s The Story) Morning Glory?” to Knebworth ’96, the Epiphone Sheraton with a “Union Jack” refinish became iconic. This guitar later evolved into the Epiphone “Union Jack” Supernova signature model, recognized by many fans as “the guitar associated with Noel.” Its thick chord strumming and British flag design adorned the golden age of Oasis.

Equally important is the Gibson ES-355 TD/SV. This red semi-hollow with a Bigsby is owned in two versions, referred to as “No.1” and “No.2,” and has supported live performances since the 2000s. This guitar was even limited to 200 replicas by Murphy Lab in 2022, solidifying its status as a symbol for Gallagher. In the 2000s, he also used the Rickenbacker 330 (Mapleglo and white body), further connecting with the Britpop scene.

On the acoustic front, the Gibson J-200 used in “Wonderwall” and the Gibson J-150, famous for its “Adidas” sticker, are indispensable. The J-150 was released as a limited signature model in 2021, highly sought after by fans.

In 2022, the Epiphone Noel Gallagher Riviera was officially introduced as a signature model, and during the 2025 reunion tour, he incorporated the Gibson Les Paul Standard “Black / P-90仕様”. This blend of old and new guitars serves as the backbone of the Oasis revival sound.

Overall, Gallagher’s guitar selection emphasizes visual symbolism and thick chord sounds. These instruments fulfill roles such as “an anthem on acoustic,” “a thick wall with semi-hollow,” and “rock push with Les Paul,” adapting to the world of each song.

Effects and Pedalboard Setup

Noel Gallagher is known for his “simple style with minimal effects,” yet his selective choices are highly effective in creating the thick chord feel and ethereal sound unique to Oasis. His pedalboard has evolved over the years, consistently focusing on delay and reverb while adding boosters and overdrives for emphasis.

During the debut era of “Definitely Maybe,” Gallagher reportedly used the Roland RE-201 Space Echo as his “only effect.” Later, he added the BOSS DD-3 Digital Delay, which he described as “the ultimate delay to use for 20 years,” becoming essential for the spatial processing of the Oasis sound.

In the 90s, he utilized the SIB Echodrive, known for its tube-driven push, as a preamp to enhance the core sound. He has also confirmed the use of the Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer, Kingsley Page Tube Boost, and Pete Cornish SS-2 for boosting solos and leads.

Regarding wah effects, Gallagher used the Vox V847 in the 90s and returned to the Dunlop Cry Baby Mini CBJ95 for the 2025 reunion tour. The filtering effect of the wah is notably featured in tracks like “Cigarettes & Alcohol.”

What’s particularly unique about his sound design is the use of three ZVEX Lo-Fi Loop Junky units. These were employed to play loop sounds in tracks like “D’You Know What I Mean?”, “Champagne Supernova,” and “Rock ’n’ Roll Star,” allowing for expansive and experimental live performances.

For spatial effects, Gallagher has used the BOSS RV-3 (later transitioning to the RV-5, but returning to the RV-3 for the 2025 reunion), along with modern delays like Strymon El Capistan, Timeline, and Empress Echosystem in his recent solo work and studio recordings.

From this setup, it’s clear that Gallagher’s board consistently revolves around “delay and reverb as the foundation, with minimal boosters and wah for embellishment.” His philosophy of not over-distorting while emphasizing depth and thickness has resulted in a unique Oasis sound.

Tone Settings, EQ, and Mixing Approaches

To recreate Noel Gallagher’s sound, the choices of guitars and amplifiers are crucial, but the adjustments in EQ and mixing are equally important. His sound design may appear simple at first glance, yet it involves careful tuning to achieve the “thickness that envelops the entire venue when chords are struck.”

Starting with amplifier settings, Gallagher typically bases his sound on a cleaner crunch. When using Marshall or Orange amps, he keeps the gain moderate at around 4-5, boosting the mids significantly. Treble is set around 6, bass at about 5, and mids between 7-8, allowing for a sound that doesn’t pierce the ears while maintaining presence. The high resolution of Hiwatt amps allows for even greater expansion when mids are elevated.

It’s also essential to note how EQ varies from song to song. For instance, in acoustic-driven tracks like “Wonderwall,” Gallagher lightly compresses the acoustic guitar, cutting lows to emphasize the mid-high strumming feel. Conversely, in “Don’t Look Back in Anger,” he slightly boosts the lows to leverage the thickness of the semi-hollow guitar while using delay and reverb to create depth. This approach allows for a grand anthem feel even with simple chord progressions.

For lead and solo parts, he employs overdrives like the Ibanez TS9 or Cornish SS-2 to boost the mids. By enhancing the natural crunch of the amp, he creates a tone that stands out without excessive distortion, ensuring leads don’t get buried within the chord wall.

In studio mixing, Gallagher often doubles tracks, panning guitars left and right. For example, in “Champagne Supernova,” he combines the Epiphone Union Jack and ES-355, placing an acoustic guitar in the center to achieve a thick and expansive sound despite a simple progression. Adding delay and reverb further enhances the grand atmosphere.

Moreover, his delay settings are consistent. Using the BOSS DD-3 or Strymon Timeline, he opts for a short delay around 300ms, keeping repeats minimal (2-3 times) to avoid excessive space. This balance allows the attack of the chords to remain clear while echoes spread behind.

From the perspective of PA and engineering, Gallagher’s guitar is always set to be the “midrange pillar.” Techniques like re-amping to add harmonics and adjusting reverb to a plate type create a natural spatial feel. The low end is reserved for bass and kick drum, with the guitar lightly cutting frequencies around 100-150Hz and slightly boosting around 2kHz-3kHz, ensuring presence even on radios and small speakers.

In conclusion, the essence of Gallagher’s sound design lies in “not over-distorting while focusing on the midrange,” “creating depth with delay and reverb,” and “establishing a central axis while creating lateral expansion in mixes.” These careful considerations elevate his sound beyond simple chord progressions into anthems.

Affordable Alternatives to Recreate the Tone

Noel Gallagher’s sound is supported by high-end gear such as the Epiphone Sheraton, Gibson ES-355, Marshall, and Hiwatt amplifiers. However, there are ways for beginners and intermediate players to recreate the “thick chord sound characteristic of Oasis” without breaking the bank. Here, we introduce relatively affordable gear (around $100-$500) and explain why they can achieve similar tones.

For guitars, brands like Epiphone and Squier are excellent allies. While a new Epiphone Sheraton can be pricey, an alternative like the Epiphone Dot is a suitable choice. Its semi-hollow structure provides a thick midrange, and when combined with delay and reverb, it can effectively replicate the vibe of “Wonderwall” or “Don’t Look Back in Anger.” For acoustic sounds, the Yamaha FG series or Epiphone EJ-200 offers great cost performance.

As for amplifiers, tube models tend to be expensive, so starting with a BOSS Katana series or Blackstar ID:Core modeling amp is more practical. The Katana excels in British-style crunch, and by keeping the gain low and boosting the mids, you can achieve Gallagher-like chord sounds. Additionally, the compact Fender Champion 40 is user-friendly for studio or home practice.

When it comes to effects, delay and reverb are essential for recreating Gallagher’s sound. The BOSS DD-8 is a successor to the DD-3, offering simple yet versatile delay modes that embody his “20-year delay” experience. For reverb, the BOSS RV-6 is affordable and can create the floating sensation of “Champagne Supernova” with light plate or hall settings.

For overdrive, while the Ibanez TS9 can be a bit pricey, alternatives like the MAXON OD808 or BOSS SD-1 are excellent choices. Both produce mid-boosted sounds suitable for bringing leads forward. If you’re interested in trying a wah, the classic Jim Dunlop Cry Baby GCB95 is a solid option.

In summary, to recreate Gallagher’s sound, it’s crucial to focus on “minimizing distortion while emphasizing midrange,” “creating space with delay and reverb,” and “striking thick chords with semi-hollow or acoustic guitars.” It’s not necessary to invest in expensive vintage guitars; modern entry-level to mid-range gear can effectively capture the Oasis vibe.

Summary and Conclusion

In summary, Noel Gallagher’s sound can be encapsulated as “grandeur within simplicity.” He relies on chord strumming and simple phrases combined with the natural distortion of amplifiers and spatial effects to create a sound that envelops the entire venue.

On the guitar front, he primarily uses semi-hollows like the Epiphone Sheraton Union Jack and Gibson ES-355, while on the acoustic side, he employs the J-150/J-200. These instruments serve not just as tools but as “symbols of Oasis,” deeply etched in fans’ memories visually. His amplifiers have evolved from the rawness of Marshall and Orange to the resolution of Hiwatt, culminating in a blend of both during the 2025 reunion.

Regarding effects, Gallagher’s stance is to “not overuse” them. Centered around the BOSS DD-3 and RV-3, he adds minimal overdrives and boosters for emphasis. His experimental use of the ZVEX Lo-Fi Loop Junky adds a unique touch, yet he maintains a solid balance that preserves the essence of Oasis in every song.

EQ and mixing techniques are also critical, particularly the emphasis on “midrange” and “expansion through double tracking.” By avoiding excessive low-end boosts and lightly elevating frequencies around 2-3kHz, Gallagher achieves a sound that remains clear and present even in large venues, ensuring it translates well across radios and smartphones.

For beginners and intermediates aiming to capture Gallagher’s sound, it’s essential to understand that it’s not about acquiring expensive gear but rather about embracing the philosophy of “minimizing distortion, valuing midrange, and creating space.” With accessible gear like the Epiphone Dot, BOSS Katana, DD-8, and RV-6, anyone can experience the Oasis vibe.

Ultimately, the core of Noel Gallagher’s sound design lies in “the grandeur that resides within simplicity.” This is supported by his chord strumming, amplifier choices, EQ adjustments, spatial effects, and, most importantly, a belief in the power of the songs themselves. For those aspiring to achieve an Oasis-like sound, the most crucial aspect is not merely copying gear but rather focusing on “how to move people with simple playing.”