Noel Gallagher / Oasis

Serial number S9214903 to rear of headstock, circa 1992, single cutaway, bound solid mahogany body, maple top with cherry sunburst finish, mahogany neck, Indian rosewood fingerboard with block inlays, two pickups, selector switch, four rotary controls, with white pickguard; in rectangular hard-shell case stencilled ‘SMALLER’, with grey plush-lining.

Used in sessions at Out of the Blue Studios, Manchester, and Monnow Valley Studios, prior to the final recording of Oasis’ debut album ‘Definitely Maybe’ at Sawmills Studio. Additionally photographed at Sawmills Studio. Featured in both the music video (UK version) and the iconic cover artwork of Oasis’ debut single ‘Supersonic’. On stage during their debut TV appearance on ‘The Word’ on the 18^th March 1994, and stage-played on numerous early live performances including at the Boardwalk in Manchester, Gleneagles in Scotland, and Water Rats in London.

Accompanied by provenance documents comprising:

a signed letter from Noel Gallagher on Ignition letter-headed paper, dated 29^th March 2001;

a signed letter from Peter “Digsy” Deary;

a signed letter from Mark Coyle (record producer on ‘Definitely Maybe’) dated 17^th January 2018;

a copy of an Out Of The Blue tracksheet dated 14^th April 1994;

a colour photographic print by Michael Spencer Jones of Noel in the studio recording a demo of ‘Shakermaker’ with the guitar in 1993, printed later, numbered AP 1/5, signed and stamped by the photographer, the print 23 1/2in x 28 1/2in overall.

a black & white photographic print by Michael Spencer Jones of Noel at Out of the Blue studios, printed later, with photographer’s stamp, the print 10 1/3in x 7 1/2in (26.4cm x 19cm) overall;

A copy of Total Guitar Magazine, issue 15, February 1996.

Dimensions

the guitar 38 1/2in (98cm) long

the case 42in (106.5cm) long; 14 1/2in (37cm) wide; 4in (10cm) high

Provenance

The collection of Noel Gallagher.

Gifted by the above to Peter “Digsy” Deary in June 1994. Digsy was the inspiration for the Oasis track ‘Digsy’s Dinner’, and his band had Smaller supported Oasis on tour.

Acquired directly from the above by the current owner.

Literature

Total Guitar magazine, Issue 15, February 1996, p. 39.

Usage

September, 1993 Boardwalk, Manchester (filmed rehearsals, video)

14^th September, 1993 The Canal Café, In The City Festival, Manchester (photographs)

October, 1993 Out of the Blue Studios, Manchester (‘Shakermaker’ demo) (photographs)

18^th & 19^th December, 1993 Pink Museum, Liverpool (by repute)

January, 1994 Monnow Valley Studios, Monmouth (photographs)

27^th January, 1994 Water Rats, London (London live debut) (photographs)

February/March, 1994 Sawmills Studios, Cornwall (photograph)

Spring 1994 Gleneagles Golf Club, Scotland (video)

13^th March, 1994 Kings Cross, London (‘Supersonic’ music video, UK version)

18^th March, 1994 Teddington Studios, Richmond (‘The Word’ TV show, on stage but not played)

Image Captions

Detail from photographic print by Michael Spencer Jones (included in the present Lot). Noel Gallagher playing the present Lot Manchester’s Out of the Blue Studio, October 1993.

Detail from photographic print by Michael Spencer Jones (included in the present Lot). Noel Gallagher playing the present Lot during a ‘Shakermaker’ demo at Manchester’s Out of the Blue Studio, October 1993.

Detail from 30^th anniversary release of Oasis’ ‘Supersonic’, 2024 (not included in the present Lot), front cover photo by Michael Spencer Jones. The present Lot illustrated behind Noel Gallagher.

Detail from 30^th anniversary release of Oasis’ ‘Supersonic’, 2024 (not included in the present Lot), back cover photo by Michael Spencer Jones. The present Lot illustrated.

This lot contains Dalbergia latifolia (Indian Rosewood), which is an endangered species. However, finished musical instruments, finished musical instrument parts, and finished musical instrument accessories of Dalbergia latifolia are exempt from CITES regulation. Sotheby’s recommends that buyers check with their own government regarding any importation requirements prior to placing a bid, as lots containing endangered species may be subject to import restrictions in certain countries or necessitate licenses and certificates for export from some and import into others.