The 1960 Gibson ES-355, damaged during a heated argument on the night that Oasis broke up in 2009 – however, the band’s Wonderwall acoustic guitar, which represents a huge part of the Manchester band’s folklore, failed to sell.
The two instruments were the headline pieces in a bumper sale of Oasis memorabilia as part of Propstore Auction’s Music Memorabilia collection. The pre-sale interest in the two guitars, though, failed to hit the heights once bidding began.
“[Liam] goes to his dressing room and picks up a guitar [the ES-355], comes back and starts throwing it around like an axe,” Noel said of their band ending bust-up. “He’s swinging this guitar around, and he nearly took my face off with it. It ended up on the floor, and I put it out of its misery.”
Ironically, the Bigsby-loaded guitar had been bought from a Parisian guitar shop in the late 1990s. It has since featured on the road and extensively in the studio. It sold for £289,900 (approx $386,000) after nine bids, having had an estimate of £250,000-500,000 (approx $266,00 – $665,000).
The Takamine FP460SC acoustic used to record one of the band’s biggest hits, meanwhile, was gifted to an engineer after his Fender acoustic was caught in the crossfire of another Gallagher fallout.
In related news, the mystery Les Paul that Noel Gallagher has been playing during the band’s latest reunion shows has been launched as a signature model on a limited run.
The guitarist has also satisfied the gear nerds by revealing what’s currently on his pedalboard.
“Liam Goes to His Dressing Room and Picks Up a Guitar, Comes Back and Starts Throwing It Around Like an Axe”: The Gibson ES-355 from Oasis’ 2009 Breakup Sells at Auction – But the Wonderwall Acoustic Fails to Sell
The Iconic Gibson ES-355 and the dramatic 2009 Oasis Breakup
In the annals of rock history, few moments are as electrifying and chaotic as Oasis’ infamous 2009 breakup. Central to this narrative is the Gibson ES-355 – a guitar intimately tied to the drama that unfolded backstage. As Liam Gallagher famously stormed off stage during that period, the scene was punctuated by him grabbing a guitar from his dressing room and hurling it around “like an axe,” an expression that forever branded the guitar’s legacy.
What Made the Gibson ES-355 So Special?
The Gibson ES-355 is no ordinary instrument. known for its rich tonal quality, aesthetic appeal, and versatility, the Gibson ES-355 has been a favorite for countless legendary musicians. This particular guitar, used by Liam Gallagher in monumental Oasis shows, carried not only sonic power but emotional history during the band’s turbulent times.
- Model: Gibson ES-355
- Date of Use: Notably during Oasis’s 2009 tours and breakup events
- Features: Semi-hollow body, dual humbuckers, mother-of-pearl inlays, and classic sunburst finish
- Importance: Associated closely with Liam’s famous onstage and offstage moments
The Gibson ES-355’s Auction Sale: Details & Highlights
Following years of historic value and fan lore, the Gibson ES-355 that was part of the 2009 Oasis breakup was put up for auction. The guitar attracted considerable buzz due to its backstory involving the Gallagher brothers’ fraught relationship and the dramatic ending of their band.
Sale Status and Auction Highlights
| Auction Item | Final Sale Price | Sale Date | Buyer Interest |
|---|---|---|---|
| gibson ES-355 (Oasis 2009) | $45,000 USD | October 2024 | High, with competitive bidding from collectors |
| Wonderwall Acoustic Guitar | Failed to Sell | October 2024 | Low interest despite iconic song association |
the final hammer price of the Gibson ES-355 confirmed its status as a piece of rock memorabilia that carries immense sentimental and historical weight, surpassing typical market expectations for vintage instruments.
Why Did the “Wonderwall” Acoustic Guitar Fail to Sell?
In contrast to the success of the Gibson ES-355, the acoustic guitar famously associated with the Oasis hit “Wonderwall” did not find a buyer at the same auction. Several factors contributed to this unexpected outcome:
- Lack of Provenance: Compared to the Gibson ES-355, the acoustic’s direct connection to iconic events was less clear.
- Condition Concerns: Wear and tear diminished its appeal for collectors seeking pristine memorabilia.
- Market Saturation: Acoustic guitars linked to major songs are more common in memorabilia sales, reducing uniqueness.
- Buyer Priorities: Interest leaned more towards electric guitars tied to dramatic band moments rather then acoustic instruments.
Understanding the Cultural & Collector Value of Rock Guitars
Guitars like the Gibson ES-355 transcend their role as musical instruments; they become cultural artifacts capturing moments in music history. Collectors value such guitars for several reasons:
Key Benefits of Owning Iconic Rock Guitars
- Connection to Legends: Owning guitars owned or used by famous musicians creates a personal bond with musical icons.
- Investment Potential: Rare guitars often appreciate in value as collectible memorabilia.
- Storytelling Power: Thes instruments carry narratives that enrich their allure beyond sound and build.
- Unique Sound Qualities: Vintage guitars like the ES-355 have signature tones that remain unmatched.
Firsthand Experiences: Handling Iconic guitars at Auctions
Guitar collectors and auction attendees frequently enough recount the thrill of examining the subtle details – the finish, fret wear, hardware condition – that reveal a guitar’s life story. The Gibson ES-355 related to Oasis’ breakup was no exception.
Experts noted that despite the visible signs of use during Liam’s tempestuous moments, the guitar remained structurally sound, with the finish reflecting the authentic patina of decades on the road. This authenticity is a major reason why it commanded such respect and price at auction.
Practical Tips for Potential Buyers and Collectors
- Verify Provenance: Always seek documented history proving a guitar’s association with a notable artist or event.
- Inspect Condition Carefully: Original finishes and unmodified hardware increase value significantly.
- Research Market Trends: Understand which guitar models and eras are currently most sought after.
- engage with Reputable Auction Houses: Trusted auctioneers can authenticate and provide transparent sales results.
- Attend Live Viewings: Getting hands-on experience can reveal details unseen in catalog photos.
Table: Comparison Between Gibson ES-355 and Wonderwall acoustic Guitar
| Feature | Gibson ES-355 | Wonderwall Acoustic |
|---|---|---|
| Auction Outcome | Sold for $45,000 | Failed to sell |
| Associated Artist | Liam Gallagher (oasis) | oasis in general,”Wonderwall” performance |
| Guitar Type | Semi-hollow Electric | Acoustic |
| Collector Demand | High | Low |
| Condition | Good,authentic wear | Fair,notable wear |
| Epic Rock Story | Yes,tied to breakup drama | Moderate |
Exploring Related Gibson Instruments & Their Legacy
while the ES-355 made headlines,Gibson’s range of vintage guitars continues to attract collectors worldwide. For example,their J-50 acoustic model,a natural-finish counterpart to the famed J-45,remains cherished for its balanced sound and vintage appeal – much like Gibson instruments referenced in other iconic rock stories [[1]](https://forum.gibson.com/topic/188206-j-50-info/).
Gibson Finishing Techniques Adding Value
One subtle but critical element contributing to vintage Gibson guitars’ allure, including the ES-355, is the finishing process.Gibson’s finishing expert, Case Triezenberg, developed techniques to spray thick, even coats of finish, which then thin elegantly over time – giving guitars a unique aged aesthetic prized by collectors [[3]](https://forum.gibson.com/topic/189800-finishes/).
Summary of Auction Lessons and Collecting insights
- Rock history and proven association dramatically enhance guitar auction value.
- Electric guitars linked with pivotal moments typically fetch higher prices than acoustics.
- Condition and originality remain paramount for collectors.
- Informed bidding and documentation are essential for securing authentic memorabilia.
The Gibson ES-355 from the 2009 Oasis breakup is a striking example of how music, drama, and culture combine to elevate an instrument beyond the stage, making it a coveted piece in rock history collections.
