"A 1988 acoustic guitar in blonde maple, with a tortoise pickguard and a mahogany neck. Serial number JF300710. Slash says he used this guitar for the recording of the song ""Patience"" on Guns N' Roses' second album ""G N' R Lies."""
Exclusive: Full details of the black GibsonLes Paul Standard seen and heard at Oasis reunion shows
What’s the story behind Noel Gallagher’s Live ’25 Les Paul?
It was the moment every Oasis fan had been waiting for since the biggest reunion tour in British music history was announced last summer. July 4th saw Oasis take to the stage at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff for their first appearance on stage together since 2009, blowing away the cobwebs in emphatic fashion with a hit-packed set.
The Live ’25 tour continued in Manchester and now London, generating rave reviews from music fans and media alike. Thanks in no small part to the three-guitar wall of sound architected by Noel Gallagher, Gem Archer, and Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs, Oasis are on fire and sounding bigger than ever. But eagle-eyed guitarists in the audience have been quick to notice that one of Noel Gallagher’s main instruments for the reunion shows is a mysterious black Gibson Les Paul™ with P-90 pickups, which appears to be new to his collection.
Online speculation has been rife, so we spoke to Lee Bartram, the Head of Commercial, Marketing & Cultural Influence at Gibson EMEA, to bust a few myths and get the inside scoop on the design process behind Noel Gallagher’s new Les Paul.
Gibson and Epiphone have worked with Noel on several instruments over the years. What’s the story behind the black Les Paul, and did Noel always have it in mind for the reunion shows?
“We have been working on this guitar for at least 18 months. It really came from a conversation around creating a Les Paul that would accommodate P-90s (which Noel was playing a lot with NGHFB at the time, favoring Epiphone USA Casinos) at high volumes, without compromising on the sound and tone of the pickup.
“Aesthetically, Noel had an idea of what he wanted it to look like, and we tried out a few hardware, finish, and color options before landing where we did. Obviously, at the time of initial designs, I had no idea what the guitar was intended to be used for. But, as development continued, it was important to create a guitar that would give different sonic layers to a lineup of three guitarists playing to stadium-level attendances. The guitar needed to be loud and capture the vibe of those earlier shows, without compromising the output and tone of the pickups.”
What are the main specifications?
“The guitar is based on a 1960 Les Paul Standard, but with the humbuckers swapped out for P-90s, so it’s a great hybrid model. The SlimTaper™ neck profile is as per the artist’s preference, as are the Grover® tuners, which are present on all the Gibson models Noel plays. It’s got a maple top on a mahogany body, with the Ebony finish being Light Aged through the Murphy Lab in Nashville. Everything we build for Noel starts out as Light Aging, and he will then decide after playing it if he wants to add more aging or keep it as it is, knowing it’s more straightforward to increase the aging levels than decrease them. In this case, he wanted more on the body, neck, and back, which looks great on stage.”
Are the pickups and wiring stock? Or is there anything extra going on under the hood?
“The pickups are Gibson Custom P-90s as stock. Noel wanted to capture a very traditional P-90 sound with these, so there is no additional wiring. Noel has a great understanding of what he wants from a pickup and gives relevant feedback—excuse the pun! He knows that Gibson invented the P-90, and we didn’t want to mess with a winning formula. Having aged nickel covers on the pickups is relatively unique, however, and something the Gibson Custom Shop spent a lot of time getting right. The results look great and the pickups sound amazing at volume… mission accomplished!”
Presumably, it’s been a buzz to be involved in this project?
“Not knowing originally where that guitar was going to end up, it’s been quite emotional to see it being used during the biggest reunion tour ever. We’ve received amazing feedback on the guitar, and I think it’s safe to say it has become the talk of the town every time it is used—I’ve had so many people reach out wanting to know what it is and if we can build one for them.
“It’s great to see that people are just as passionate about guitar as ever before. For this guitar to be part of such a monumental musical event is a thrill, and knowing it was designed specifically for it makes it even better. The first time people saw the band together in 16 years was with a guitar that Gibson designed and built directly with the artist. That’s pretty cool.”
Spurr Audio has introduced the PMF-8824, a compact multi-modulation pedal that fuses vintage digital aesthetics with modern DSP-based creativity. Inspired by the design philosophy of early 1980s personal computers, the PMF-8824 is equal parts nostalgic and futuristic, offering players a unique toolset for creating modulated textures and unconventional tones.
The PMF-8824 features eight custom-designed effects, ranging from classic time-based modulation to more experimental sound-shaping tools. Each program has its own dedicated screen layout, complete with visual feedback and real-time control over three contextual parameters (Ctrl 1–3). Two additional knobs control Mix and Volume, while a Program selector knob cycles through effects. All visuals are displayed on a retro-inspired pixel screen that responds to user interaction.
Though the unit is mono, each effect is crafted to feel immersive, using stereo-style modulation, spatial tricks, and reverb-like environments to expand the perceived soundstage.
Included Effects:
Phaser – Smooth 4-stage phasing with musical feedback
Tremolo – Rich amplitude modulation with waveform selection
Flanger – Dense and metallic swirl with resonant feedback
Vibrato – Tape-style pitch wobble with internal ambiance
Chorus – Wide 4-voice chorus with built-in reverb option
Rotary Simulator – Spinning speaker with mic and cabinet control
VCR (VHS Lo-Fi) – Warped, nostalgic tape textures with saturation
Microchoir – Digital choir inspired by classic organ voicing
The PMF-8824 stands out not only for its sounds, but also its interface and visual identity. The pedal’s housing and GUI are modeled after personal computer aesthetics—pixel fonts, windowed layouts, and real-time visual meters give each effect its own interactive “page.” The display changes dynamically depending on the selected effect, ensuring clarity and a user-friendly experience.
The PMF-8824 is now available for pre-order for a street price of $219. For more information visit spurraudio.mitiendanube.com.
Sheptone announces the reissue of its coveted AB Custom humbuckers. Revered by tone chasers, professional touring musicians, and collectors alike, the AB Custom humbuckers return with all the hallmarks that made it a modern classic—and more.
Built entirely by hand, one at a time, by long-time industry figure and proprietor Josh Vittek, each Sheptone pickup reflects a relentless commitment to tone, authenticity, and craftsmanship. The AB Custom humbuckers are no exception, offering unmatched responsiveness, musical articulation, and the nuanced dynamic range players have come to expect from Sheptone. As the first variation on the original Sheptone Tribute set that launched the business back in 2007, these are considered a medium output PAF-style humbucker providing that little extra push that guitar players just love.
Featuring proprietary butyrate bobbins, 42 AWG plain enamel wire, rough cast Alnico 5 magnets, a maple wood spacer, and nickel silver baseplates, the AB Custom humbuckers are built with period-correct components and the highest-quality materials available. Measuring an average of 8.5k in the bridge and 8.0k in the neck, each set delivers vintage-inspired clarity, warmth, and punch making them a top choice for players seeking the elusive "magic" found in the most iconic recordings.
Customers can choose from double black, zebra, reverse zebra, or covered configurations with nickel or gold-plated period correct nickel steel covers, offering aesthetic versatility without compromising tone. The AB Custom humbuckers are a premium choice for discerning players who demand the best—whether in the studio, on stage, or in their personal woodshed.
Sheptone pickups have long been the secret weapon behind some of todays most beloved tones. With the return of the AB Custom, that legacy continues—one note at a time.
Epiphone's collaboration with the artisans at Gibson Custom just got a major acoustic upgrade! We’re excited to share new acoustic additions to the core lineup, updated with features that make these guitars better than ever.
With new Vintage Gloss and Full Gloss finishes, rosewood or ebony fretboards, thermally aged tops, loads of vintage-correct details, historically accurate Gibson “open book” headstocks, and historic-inspired cases, these guitars bring Custom Shop quality to players everywhere at accessible prices.
1942 Banner J-45 Reissue
This exceptional acoustic guitar has a thermally aged, solid Sitka spruce top that is reinforced with scalloped X-bracing and paired with a solid mahogany back and sides for the rich, balanced tone that has made the J-45 a longtime player favorite.
1957 SJ-200 Reissue
Meet the Epiphone 1957 SJ-200 Reissue, an Inspired by Gibson Custom recreation of a rare vintage icon. It features a solid figured maple back and sides, a thermally aged solid Sitka spruce top with traditional scalloped X-bracing, and a two-piece flame maple neck.
Hummingbird Deluxe EC
The Hummingbird Deluxe EC has been upgraded and modernized with beautiful, solid rosewood used for the back and sides, giving this guitar the full and rich sound of the traditional Hummingbird, along with the added tonal nuances of rosewood, resulting in a deeper bass and even more sparkling overtones in the highs.
Pre-War SJ-200 Rosewood Reissue
The Epiphone Pre-War SJ-200 Rosewood Reissue is replete with vintage-inspired details, including a solid rosewood back and sides, a thermally aged solid Sitka spruce top with traditional scalloped X-bracing made from quarter-sawn solid spruce, and more.
1963 Dove Reissue
The back and sides of the 1963 Dove Reissue are made from solid, figured maple. It delivers a bright, clear tone from the maple body, as you might expect, but it also has a bit more bass than a Hummingbird and a very balanced tone overall that works exceptionally well in a wide range of musical genres.
Josh Smith opens up about finding his voice in the blues (and beyond), crafting his signature tone, and why authenticity—not imitation—is the heart of his playing. The engaging exchange is a prime example in developing musical identity through introspective intention and detailed execution.
Being a contemporary bluesman has its pitfalls, dead ends, and challenges. Josh Smith reflects deeply on his relationship with the blues, acknowledging the cultural origins of the music and his position as modern ambassador (and interpreter) for the artform. He then discusses how switching from Strats to Teles shaped his own sound and playing style more than any other gear choice.
As the interview continues, Smith delves into the art of live performance and improvisation, valuing intent, rhythm, and connection with both the audience and bandmates. Smith talks honestly about the current challenges younger musicians face—namely the lack of live-gig opportunities—and contrasts that with his own development through hundreds of early gigs (even before the age of 18). The conversation ends with Smith detailing his ongoing experience as a producer, what he enjoys about helping artists realize their vision through his own expertise & instincts. Whether working with artists like Andy Timmons or playing in Joe Bonamassa's live band, Smith prioritizes rhythmic precision with present spontaneity and trying to be musical in every moment.
