Guitar Journal: Noel Gallagher Rig, Helix Stadium Tones & More
Oasis Reunion Rig, Helix Stadium Preview, and Manson Mikey Demus MD-3
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Guitar Journal: Noel Gallagher Rig, Helix Stadium Tones & More · Source: Instagram/Noel Gallagher
This week, we check out the Noel Gallagher rig he has shared online, which is powering the Oasis reunion gigs. We also take a quick listen to the latest Helix Stadium tones, shared by Line 6 ahead of the official release. Finally, we take a peek at the new Manson Mikey Demus signature model.
Guitar Journal
Noel Gallagher Oasis Reunion Rig
Noel Gallagher has shared his guitar rig via Instagram, and so we know what pedals and amps he has been using for the Oasis reunion gigs.
I love that he puts ‘Should anybody be remotely interested…’ knowing full well that many guitar fans will obsess over this setup for years to come.
‘Should anybody be remotely interested…’
Among the familiar sights are a TC Electronic Polytune 3 guitar tuner, a Keeley Electronics Compressor (an industry standard), and a Dunlop Cry Baby Mini wah pedal. Also present are a Boss DD-7 Digital Delay and a Boss RV-3 Digital Reverb Delay, both reliable workhorses often found on professional boards.
However, Gallagher’s affluence allows for some truly unique additions. One such item is the BSM Finest Treble Booster Model OR 2004, a connoisseur’s pick inspired by the Orange Treble & Bass booster David Gilmour used with Pink Floyd. Sadly, BSM pedals are no longer produced after the passing of mastermind Bernd C. Meiser last year.
There is also the Kingsley Page nestled in there, which is a hand-wired tube boost pedal featuring a 12AX7 tube running at high voltage.
High-end units also make an appearance, including a Strymon TimeLine multi-delay, a Strymon El Capistan tape echo pedal, and an Empress Echo System. These alone could form a formidable setup.
SIB Echodrive
But the real showstopper is the SIB Echodrive. This tube-driven echo/delay unit, powered directly by the mains, is highly sought after and commands exorbitant prices due to its incredible sound. They can change hands for north of £1000 easily on the used market. Supposedly, Noel uses this one more for the preamp section of the effect.
ZVEX
Completing this serious board is a trio of ZVEX Lo-Fi Loop Junkies, seemingly dedicated to specific songs like “Champagne Supernova,” “Rock and Roll Star,” and “Do You Know What I Mean.”
Marshall & Hiwatt
Gallagher’s backline is equally impressive, featuring four tube amp combos: a pair of Marshall JTM45s and a pair of Hiwatt Custom 50s, ensuring a powerful and classic tone.
Helix Stadium Tones Tease
Line 6 has shared a very brief video of some Helix Stadium tones via YouTube. This 45-second teaser clip offers a tantalizing preview of its Brit Plexi amp, which draws inspiration from the legendary Marshall sound.
Impulse Responses
The demo not only highlights the virtual amp but also provides a quick look at its Impulse Responses, specifically demonstrating two 4×12 Greenback 30 cabs connected to the virtual setup. The final audio is polished with the addition of a compressor, a delay pedal, and a plate reverb.
It is a very short clip, but it all sounds very promising and will be great for fans of amp modeling and Line 6 Helix gear in general. We will keep you updated as more news breaks about this new product, as it is going to be huge!
Manson Mikey Demus MD-3
I wrote about the Manson MD-2 when it came out back in 2017, and now the new Mikey Demus signature model, the MD-3, is here.
MA Style
This third iteration, based on Manson’s classic MA profile guitar, has been extensively updated. It’s now tailored to Demus’ playing style, featuring a neck carve designed for effortless chordal work and a revised profile shape optimized for heavy riffing in drop tunings.
Crafted with a lightweight obeche body, a roasted maple neck, and a rosewood fingerboard, the MD-3 is built for performance.
A dual-action stainless-steel truss rod provides meticulous control, allowing players to dial in their preferred setup with ease. At its heart lies a custom dual humbucker pickup set, meticulously selected to capture Demus’ distinctive tonal palette.
Black or Tangerine
Expect a “warm, full-bodied tone” from the Benchmark neck humbucker, featuring classic Alnico II magnets and 7.5k output.
For a powerful punch, the Manson MD Custom bridge pickup—exclusive to the MD-3—gets a “full-throated” boost, pushing nearly 14k of output thanks to its ceramic magnets and extra windings. These have two volume controls, two tone controls with push/pull switching for series or parallel.
It is available in Dry Satin Black (priced at £1999) and Atomic Tangerine (priced at £2099) finishes. As Mikey is a left-handed player, there is no upcharge for the left-handed version of his signature model.
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