This 1997 Epiphone Noel Gallagher Supernova in Man City Blue is a particularly desirable early example of one of the most recognisable artist-signature semi-hollow guitars of the Britpop era.

Built at the Peerless factory in Korea during the Supernova's first year of production, serial number R97E0651 dates this guitar to May 1997. Its specification combines a laminated maple semi-hollow body with a set mahogany neck, rosewood fingerboard, twin Epiphone humbuckers and traditional Tune-O-Matic/stopbar hardware.

Finished in the distinctive Man City Blue, the colour closely associated with Noel Gallagher and the original Supernova launch, this example weighs 8.1 lb and is presented in Very Good Condition.

A hardcase is included.

At A Glance

Key Detail	Information
Brand	Epiphone
Model	Noel Gallagher Supernova
Year	1997
Finish	Man City Blue
Type	Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar
Country of Manufacture	Korea
Factory	Peerless
Serial Number	R97E0651
Production Date	May 1997
Body	Laminated Maple
Neck	Mahogany
Fingerboard	Rosewood
Scale Length	24.75"
Pickup Configuration	HH
Weight	8.1 lb
Condition	Pre-Owned, Very Good Condition
Included	Hardcase
Main Appeal	First-year Korean Peerless Noel Gallagher signature model
Best For	Oasis, Britpop, indie, rock, alternative and collectors

Condition Overview

Very Good Condition

This 1997 Epiphone Noel Gallagher Supernova is presented in Very Good Condition.

Under the Fair Deal Music grading system, Very Good Condition means the guitar shows some cosmetic wear consistent with careful previous ownership while remaining fully functional.

As a guitar dating from 1997, normal age-related cosmetic evidence should be considered part of its individual character rather than expecting the appearance of a modern new instrument.

What's Included?

✔ 1997 Epiphone Noel Gallagher Supernova Man City Blue
✔ Hardcase

✘ No Additional Accessories Included

Condition Notes

• Very Good overall condition
• Genuine 1997 example
• Peerless factory, Korea
• First year of Supernova production
• Man City Blue finish
• 8.1 lb
• Hardcase included

Serial Number & Dating

Serial Number: R97E0651

The serial format identifies this guitar as:

• R – Peerless factory, Korea
• 97 – 1997
• E – May
• 0651 – Production sequence

This places the guitar in May 1997, right at the beginning of the Noel Gallagher Supernova's production life.

That early production date is particularly interesting for players and collectors looking for a Korean-made example from the model's original release period.

Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment

This pre-owned Epiphone Supernova has been assessed for general operation and playability.

Checks include:

• Neck humbucker operation
• Bridge humbucker operation
• 3-way pickup selector
• Individual volume controls
• Individual tone controls
• Output jack
• Neck condition
• Rosewood fingerboard
• Frets
• Tuning machines
• Tune-O-Matic bridge
• Stopbar tailpiece
• General hardware
• General structural condition
• Overall playability
• Hardcase checked for general usability

Service / Setup Work

All pre-owned guitars at Fair Deal Music are checked for general setup and playability before leaving the shop.

Key areas assessed include:

• Action
• Neck relief
• Fret condition
• Intonation
• Tuning stability
• Pickup operation
• Electronics
• Bridge setup
• Hardware
• General playing feel

Minor setup movement can naturally occur during transport as wooden instruments respond to temperature and humidity changes.

What Makes The Noel Gallagher Supernova Special?

The Epiphone Supernova was developed as Noel Gallagher's official signature model during the height of Oasis and the Britpop era. Its semi-hollow construction draws heavily on Epiphone's historic Riviera family, but the specification was given its own visual and functional identity with split-parallelogram fingerboard inlays, signature pearloid appointments, relocated pickup selector and a conventional stopbar tailpiece.

This particular example adds another level of interest because it dates to 1997, the first production year, and was built by Peerless in Korea. Combined with the instantly recognisable Man City Blue finish, it represents the Supernova in one of its most historically associated configurations.

Key Features & Benefits

First-Year 1997 Production

The Supernova entered production in 1997.

With a May 1997 serial date, this guitar comes from the model's earliest production period rather than one of the later Korean runs.

For buyers interested in the history of the model, that gives this example particular appeal.

Peerless Korean Manufacture

This guitar was manufactured by Peerless in Korea.

Peerless was responsible for producing a variety of Epiphone semi-hollow and archtop instruments during this period, making its factory code especially relevant when identifying Korean Epiphone guitars from the 1990s.

Man City Blue Finish

Few finishes are as closely associated with the Supernova as Man City Blue, also referred to in period material as Manchester Blue or Metallic Light Blue.

The metallic pale-blue appearance gives the guitar a distinctive identity and directly connects the production model with Noel Gallagher's well-known association with Manchester City.

Laminated Maple Semi-Hollow Body

The Supernova uses a laminated maple top, back and sides.

This creates the familiar semi-hollow combination of:

• Resonant acoustic character
• Strong electric projection
• Clear note attack
• Full midrange
• Excellent chord definition

It works particularly well for large open chords, overdriven rhythm parts and layered guitar arrangements.

Set Mahogany Neck

A set mahogany neck gives the Supernova a familiar Gibson/Epiphone-style feel and complements the semi-hollow maple body with warmth through the midrange.

Rosewood Fingerboard

The rosewood fingerboard features distinctive split-parallelogram inlays, giving the Supernova a more ornate appearance than many conventional semi-hollow models.

Twin Humbuckers

The original Supernova specification uses a pair of Epiphone humbuckers, traditionally specified as:

• Alnico Classic neck humbucker
• Alnico Hot bridge humbucker

The neck position provides warmth and body, while the bridge position offers more attack and output for rock rhythm and lead playing.

Traditional Four-Control Layout

The guitar uses:

• Neck Volume
• Bridge Volume
• Neck Tone
• Bridge Tone
• 3-Way Pickup Selector

This gives independent control over each pickup and makes it possible to preset contrasting rhythm and lead sounds.

Tune-O-Matic & Stopbar Hardware

The production Supernova uses a Tune-O-Matic bridge with stopbar tailpiece.

This provides straightforward intonation adjustment, secure string anchoring and a familiar playing response.

Supernova-Specific Design Details

The Supernova is more than simply an Epiphone semi-hollow with an artist's name attached.

Distinctive production features include:

• Noel Gallagher signature model designation
• Man City Blue finish option
• Split-parallelogram fingerboard inlays
• Decorative headstock inlay
• Pearloid truss-rod cover
• “Supernova” truss-rod cover branding
• Pearloid raised pickguard
• Noel Gallagher signature detailing on the original specification
• Pickup selector positioned on the upper horn
• Twin full-sized humbuckers
• Stopbar tailpiece

These details distinguish the Supernova from standard Riviera and Sheraton-style models.

Comparison Against Popular Alternatives

Supernova vs Epiphone Riviera

The Supernova is closely related to the Riviera concept but has a number of model-specific changes, including full-size humbuckers, signature cosmetic appointments, split-parallelogram inlays and the pickup selector positioned on the upper horn.

Supernova vs Epiphone Sheraton

A Sheraton generally has more ornate multi-ply detailing and its own distinctive headstock and fingerboard appointments. The Supernova has a more focused Noel Gallagher-era aesthetic and a specification shaped around his preferences.

Supernova vs ES-335-Style Guitar

Both occupy the twin-humbucker semi-hollow category, but the Supernova has a very distinctive Epiphone identity and strong connection with 1990s British guitar music.

Who Is It For?

Oasis fans – One of the most obvious and historically relevant signature guitars connected with Noel Gallagher.

Britpop players – Particularly suited to the large open chords, layered rhythm tones and melodic lead work associated with the genre.

Indie guitarists – Semi-hollow resonance and humbuckers make an excellent platform for overdrive, delay, modulation and reverb.

Rock players – Twin humbuckers and a stopbar bridge provide plenty of output and sustain.

Collectors – A genuine 1997 first-year Peerless Korean example has considerably more historical interest than a generic modern semi-hollow.

Players wanting something visually distinctive – Man City Blue makes the Supernova immediately recognisable.

Suitable Genres & Applications

Particularly well suited to:

• Britpop
• Indie
• Alternative
• Rock
• Classic rock
• Pop
• Blues rock
• Psychedelic rock
• Singer-songwriter
• Studio recording
• Layered rhythm guitar
• Live performance
• Effects-based rigs

Why Choose A Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar?

A semi-hollow guitar combines elements of both solidbody and hollowbody construction.

The body cavity adds resonance and a more open response than many conventional solidbody guitars, while the central structural design helps keep the instrument controllable at amplified volumes.

For chord-based music, the result can be especially effective because individual notes retain definition while the overall sound remains broad and full.

This is a major reason semi-hollow guitars became so prominent in rock, indie and Britpop.

Noel Gallagher & The Supernova

Noel Gallagher's use of Epiphone semi-hollow guitars became an important part of Oasis's visual identity during the 1990s.

The production Supernova appeared in 1997, during the period surrounding Be Here Now, and transformed that association into an official Epiphone signature model.

Although inspired by instruments associated with Noel, the production Supernova developed its own specification, including a relocated pickup selector and stopbar tailpiece.

The result became one of Epiphone's most recognisable artist models of the era.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Product Type	Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar
Brand	Epiphone
Model	Noel Gallagher Supernova
Year	1997
Finish	Man City Blue
Country of Manufacture	Korea
Factory	Peerless
Serial Number	R97E0651
Serial Date	May 1997
Body Construction	Semi-Hollow
Top	Laminated Maple
Back	Laminated Maple
Sides	Laminated Maple
Neck Material	Mahogany
Neck Construction	Set Neck
Fingerboard Material	Rosewood
Fingerboard Inlays	Split Parallelogram
Scale Length	24.75"
Number of Frets	22
Nut Width	Approx. 1.62"
Pickup Configuration	HH
Period Neck Pickup Specification	Epiphone Alnico Classic Humbucker
Period Bridge Pickup Specification	Epiphone Alnico Hot Humbucker
Controls	2 Volume, 2 Tone
Switching	3-Way Toggle
Bridge	Tune-O-Matic
Tailpiece	Stopbar
Tuning Machines	Vintage-Style
Hardware Finish	Chrome
Weight	8.1 lb
Included	Hardcase
Condition	Pre-Owned, Very Good Condition

Vintage Specification Note

This guitar dates from 1997, and the specification above reflects documented period Supernova production.

As with any guitar approaching three decades old, individual electronic and hardware components can potentially have been serviced or changed during its lifetime.

Unless a component has been specifically verified on this individual guitar, period specification should not automatically be interpreted as a guarantee that every individual component remains untouched from manufacture.

Hardcase Note

A hardcase is included with this guitar.

The case has not been identified as the original factory-supplied Epiphone case, so no claim of case originality is made.

Weight

8.1 lb

For a substantial semi-hollow guitar, this gives the Supernova a reassuringly solid feel without moving into especially excessive weight.

Power Requirements

No battery or external power supply is required.

The Supernova uses conventional passive humbuckers and passive volume/tone controls.

Fair Deal Music Verdict

★★★★★ 5/5

This 1997 Epiphone Noel Gallagher Supernova in Man City Blue combines musical usability, unmistakable 1990s styling and genuine historical interest.

Its May 1997 Peerless serial date makes it a first-year production example, while the laminated maple semi-hollow construction, set mahogany neck, rosewood fingerboard and twin humbuckers give it the broad, jangling yet powerful response that suits Oasis-style rhythm work particularly well.

The Man City Blue finish is arguably the colour most closely associated with the model, making this an especially appealing configuration for Oasis collectors and fans of 1990s British guitar music.

At 8.1 lb, presented in Very Good Condition and supplied with a hardcase, this is a particularly attractive pre-owned example of an increasingly distinctive Epiphone signature model.

Why Buy Pre-Owned From Fair Deal Music?

Older and collectible guitars benefit from being treated as individual instruments rather than relying solely on generic catalogue information.

Every pre-owned guitar at Fair Deal Music is individually assessed, with its serial number, condition and included accessories clearly represented wherever possible.

This example has the added advantage of a clearly identifiable 1997 Peerless Korean serial number, allowing its early production history to be established with greater confidence.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

Fair Deal Music is Birmingham's largest independent music store, combining a major showroom with nationwide ecommerce and decades of experience buying, selling and part-exchanging new, used and collectible musical equipment.

When you buy from us, you benefit from:

• Family-run independent retailer established in 1987
• Birmingham's largest independent music store
• 6,000+ Trustpilot reviews
• Expert musician-led advice
• Extensive experience with pre-owned and collectible guitars
• Pre-owned instruments individually assessed
• Serial numbers and significant details carefully represented
• Clear condition grading
• Competitive prices on leading music brands
• Secure ordering
• Fast UK delivery
• Large Birmingham showroom
• Friendly support before and after purchase

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Your existing guitar could help towards the cost of this Supernova.

Fair Deal Music buys and part-exchanges guitars, basses, amplifiers, effects, keyboards and a wide range of other musical equipment.

Contact our team for a no-obligation valuation and find out what your current gear could be worth towards this 1997 Epiphone Noel Gallagher Supernova.

Frequently Asked Questions

What year is this Epiphone Supernova?

It dates to 1997, the first year of production for the Noel Gallagher Supernova.

What does the serial number R97E0651 mean?

The serial identifies the guitar as a Peerless-built Korean Epiphone from May 1997.

Where was this guitar made?

It was manufactured in Korea at the Peerless factory.

Is this an early Supernova?

Yes. A May 1997 production date places it among the model's early first-year examples.

What finish is it?

It is finished in the distinctive Man City Blue, also historically referred to as Manchester Blue or Metallic Light Blue.

Is this a Noel Gallagher signature guitar?

Yes. The Supernova was Epiphone's official Noel Gallagher signature model.

What type of guitar is it?

It is a semi-hollow electric guitar with twin humbuckers.

What is the body made from?

The period specification uses laminated maple for the top, back and sides.

What is the neck made from?

It has a set mahogany neck.

What fingerboard does it have?

It uses a rosewood fingerboard with split-parallelogram inlays.

What scale length does it use?

It has a 24.75" scale length.

How many frets does it have?

It has 22 frets.

What pickups were fitted to the Supernova?

Period specification lists an Epiphone Alnico Classic neck humbucker and Alnico Hot bridge humbucker.

What controls does it have?

It uses two volume controls, two tone controls and a 3-way pickup selector.

Why is the pickup selector on the upper horn?

The production Supernova moved the selector away from the conventional Riviera-style location as part of the model-specific design developed around Noel Gallagher's preferences.

What bridge does it use?

It uses a Tune-O-Matic bridge with stopbar tailpiece.

How much does this guitar weigh?

This individual guitar weighs 8.1 lb.

What condition is it in?

It is presented in Very Good Condition, showing some cosmetic wear consistent with careful ownership and age.

Does it come with a case?

Yes. A hardcase is included.

Is the hardcase original?

The case has not been confirmed as original, so it is described simply as a hardcase.

Is Man City Blue an important Supernova colour?

Yes. It was one of the original finishes and is particularly closely associated with Noel Gallagher and the Supernova model.

Is this guitar suitable for Oasis-style tones?

Absolutely. Its semi-hollow construction and twin humbuckers are particularly effective for large open chords, jangling clean sounds and overdriven Britpop rhythm tones.

Is it collectible?

First-year Korean Supernovas have developed significant interest among Oasis fans and enthusiasts of 1990s Epiphone guitars, particularly in the Man City Blue finish.

Does it require a battery?

No. The pickups and controls are completely passive.

Can I request a video demo?

Yes. Our Request a Video Demo service is ideal if you would like to see the condition, Man City Blue finish and hear the guitar before purchasing.

Can I part-exchange another guitar against it?

Yes. Fair Deal Music considers trade-ins and part exchanges across a wide range of guitars and other musical equipment.