When it comes to 1990s Britpop, few bands captured the raw energy, melody, and playfulness of the era quite like Supergrass. With hits like Alright, Pumping on Your Stereo, and Caught by the Fuzz, their sound was instantly recognizable — blending punk-like enthusiasm, melodic guitar hooks, and soulful vocals.
Behind that sound was a collection of distinctive Supergrass gear — guitars, amps, drums, and pedals — that shaped the unique sonic character of the band. From Gaz Coombes’ crunchy guitar tones to Danny Goffey’s dynamic drumming, every piece of equipment played a part in creating their musical identity.
Gaz Coombes’ Guitar Arsenal
Frontman Gaz Coombes is known for his energetic playing and distinctive tone, which was largely shaped by his carefully chosen guitars. The cornerstone of his setup has always been vintage-style instruments that deliver warmth and punch.
Among the most iconic pieces of Supergrass gear is the Gibson Les Paul Junior, a single-cut classic known for its simplicity and raw, biting tone. Coombes often paired it with a Fender Telecaster for jangly rhythms and a Gibson ES-335 for smoother, fuller sounds during live performances and ballads.
These guitars gave him the ability to move effortlessly between gritty riffs and melodic passages — a hallmark of the Supergrass gear setup.
Mick Quinn’s Bass Guitars and Tone
Bassist Mick Quinn provided the low-end foundation that gave Supergrass songs their bounce and groove. His approach combined a punchy attack with melodic bass lines that often mirrored or complemented Coombes’ guitar parts.
One of the most famous elements of Supergrass gear on the bass side is Quinn’s Fender Precision Bass, known for its deep and rounded tone. He also used a Rickenbacker 4001, which offered a bright, punchy sound perfect for cutting through the band’s dense arrangements.
Paired with Ampeg and Ashdown amps, his tone had both warmth and definition — creating that unmistakable Supergrass groove heard in songs like Moving and Richard III.
Danny Goffey’s Drum Kit and Percussion Style
Drummer Danny Goffey was one of the driving forces behind the energy of Supergrass. His powerful, groove-oriented drumming combined tight snare hits, rolling tom fills, and dynamic cymbal work.
A key part of Supergrass gear was Goffey’s Ludwig Classic Maple kit, often paired with Zildjian cymbals for bright crashes and shimmering rides. His choice of coated snare heads and wooden sticks contributed to that sharp, punchy attack heard on tracks like Caught by the Fuzz and Sun Hits the Sky.
Goffey’s drumming style wasn’t just about rhythm — it was about personality. His confident swing and live energy were as integral to the Supergrass sound as the guitars and vocals themselves.
Amplifiers: The Backbone of Supergrass Gear
No discussion of Supergrass gear would be complete without mentioning the amplifiers that powered their sound.
Gaz Coombes was often seen using Vox AC30s — classic British amps known for their chime and clarity — paired with Marshall JCM900 heads for added grit. This combination gave Supergrass their signature blend of clean brightness and crunchy overdrive.
Mick Quinn, on the other hand, favored Ampeg SVT and Ashdown bass amps, which delivered deep lows with plenty of articulation. Together, these amps helped define the full-bodied yet agile tone that became synonymous with the band’s recordings and live shows.
Guitar Pedals and Effects
While Supergrass didn’t rely heavily on elaborate effects, the subtle use of guitar pedals played a crucial role in coloring their tone.
Gaz Coombes’ pedalboard typically featured essentials like:
- Boss DS-1 Distortion for gritty rhythm crunch
- Electro-Harmonix Big Muff for thick, fuzzy leads
- Ibanez Tube Screamer for a warm, bluesy overdrive
- Dunlop Cry Baby Wah for expressive solos
These pedals gave the Supergrass gear its dynamic edge, letting Coombes shift effortlessly from punchy power chords to smooth melodic lines. The key was moderation — they used effects to enhance, not overpower, their organic band sound.
Studio Equipment and Recording Techniques
In the studio, the band worked with producers like Sam Williams and John Cornfield, who helped them refine their sound without sacrificing rawness.
Classic analog gear played a big part in recording Supergrass albums. They used Neve preamps, Studer tape machines, and vintage Neumann microphones to capture warm, authentic tones.
One of the secrets of Supergrass gear in the studio was layering — Coombes would often double-track guitars using different amps or mics to create depth. Quinn’s bass was recorded both directly and through an amp to balance clarity and punch.
The result was a polished yet lively sound that perfectly captured the youthful energy of Britpop.
Keyboards and Additional Instruments
While Supergrass are best known for their guitar-driven sound, keyboards and synths often added texture and mood to their music.
Keyboardist Rob Coombes (Gaz’s brother) brought a new dimension to the band’s sound with his Hammond organ, Wurlitzer electric piano, and Mellotron. These instruments gave songs like Mary and Late in the Day a psychedelic edge.
Some tracks also featured Moog synthesizers and Yamaha electric pianos, expanding the sonic palette of Supergrass gear beyond traditional rock instrumentation.
The Live Supergrass Setup
Supergrass were known for their electric live performances, and much of that energy came from how they used their gear on stage.
Gaz Coombes’ live rig typically included a combination of Vox and Marshall amps, while Quinn’s bass was run through Ashdown cabinets for clean projection. Danny Goffey’s Ludwig drum kit was miked closely to maintain punch, and Rob Coombes’ keyboards were layered subtly to fill the sonic space.
Their live sound engineers emphasized clarity and power, ensuring that every note of the Supergrass gear translated into the infectious energy fans loved during performances.
Legacy: How Supergrass Gear Inspired a Generation
The influence of Supergrass gear extends far beyond their own recordings. Their straightforward, no-nonsense approach to equipment inspired countless indie and Britpop musicians in the 1990s and beyond.
Bands admired their ability to produce such a full, polished sound without relying on digital trickery or overproduction. The combination of vintage guitars, tube amps, and analog recording gear set a new standard for authentic rock tone.
Even today, guitarists and producers reference Supergrass gear setups when chasing that perfect blend of raw energy and melodic clarity. Their sound remains timeless — a testament to the power of great instruments and passionate musicianship.
Conclusion
The magic of Supergrass wasn’t just in their songwriting — it was in their sound. From Gaz Coombes’ punchy Les Paul Junior to Mick Quinn’s thumping basslines and Danny Goffey’s thunderous drums, every piece of Supergrass gear contributed to the chemistry that made their music unforgettable.
Their combination of British-made amps, classic instruments, and analog recording techniques created a sound that was as bold as it was authentic.
For fans, musicians, and audiophiles alike, studying Supergrass gear isn’t just about nostalgia — it’s about understanding how great tone and genuine performance come together to create something truly iconic.
FAQs
1. What guitars did Gaz Coombes use in Supergrass?
Gaz Coombes primarily used Gibson Les Paul Juniors, Fender Telecasters, and Gibson ES-335s. These guitars were key to achieving his signature warm-yet-crunchy tone.
2. What amps were part of the Supergrass gear setup?
The band relied heavily on Vox AC30s, Marshall JCM900s, and Ampeg SVT amps. This mix created a balance of clarity, grit, and low-end punch.
3. What kind of drum kit did Danny Goffey use?
Danny Goffey played Ludwig Classic Maple drums with Zildjian cymbals, known for their bright, crisp attack — perfect for the band’s energetic style.
4. Did Supergrass use a lot of guitar pedals?
Not excessively. They focused on essentials like the Boss DS-1, Big Muff, and Tube Screamer to add character without overshadowing their natural tone.
5. How can I recreate the Supergrass sound?
Start with a Les Paul-style guitar, a Vox or Marshall amp, and a few key pedals for overdrive and fuzz. Keep your tone raw and dynamic, focusing on rhythmic energy and melody.
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