Truly a Holy Grail guitar - I hope you enjoyed learning about this insanely rare model! If you enjoy my content, don't forget to subscribe and check back daily for new episodes. 🔴Reverb: reverb.com/item/36627374?_aid=growsumo&gs_partner=Trogly 🍭Shop Sweetwater + Support the Show ➡️ imp.i114863.net/trogly 💰New to Reverb? Get $10 on Me ➡️ reverb.grsm.io/earn10 ❓Private Help Sessions: troglysguitarshow.com/help-appraisals/ 👕 Merch: teespring.com/basic-logo-4245?pid=211
gonna add something to the fine tuners on the bridge discussion,, actually very useful, you can seamlessly adjust if you're slightly out of tune while you're playing,, puts right under your fingertips so you can tune without missing a beat
That XPL is beautiful. They SHOULD re-make it. I think it's more interesting than a lot of Les Paul's. It's got a classy side to it and a rock and roll side. Very cool!
I wouldn't be surprised if Lizzy Hale of Halestorm tries to get one, or even make it as her next signature model. It just seems to be the natural progression between her Explorer and a Les Paul.
I have 5 XPL guitars, they are all fun. All different, all have different neck sizes, crazy. No hardtails. The way I understand it they had just completed the sell to Jerkoffski and alot of the production personnel had been let go so theCustom Shop was cranking out as many guitars as they could, with CS markers. They were trying to make something to compete with the crazy bodies of their competitors at the time, and make it affordable. Hence the XPL's, and various other attempts at a Superstrat. I have a Victory MVX in sparkling red with M3 electronics, those didnt sell well, but they sound great. Have 6 original M3s but they came out later and missed the "80s crazy guitar" market. The M3s are monster shredders. The reissue M3s are not close to the original and dont have the outstanding electronics that switch from 2 humbuckers to 3 single coils pups with a 5 way selector like a strat. Even have 3 Studio Lyte M3s. Love the 500T at the bridge, totally mean and cuts right thru. Those are my players.
@@rockdaddy2168 They were totally trying to compete with Kramer, Ibanez, Charvel, etc. “Beak” headstocks were everywhere in the ‘80s. That neck is almost exactly like a Kramer Baretta.
Gotta say Trogly your content is really comforting to people more than you know. My mom last away today suddenly and it’s been a roller coaster to say the least. Trying to get to sleep (it’s 10:20) my time and clicked on your video about this crazy LP and I smiled man. I’m a drummer but you got me to go get a SG standard earlier this year after watching your videos for over a year. Thanks for spreading passion and creativity it helps a lot when you least expect it.
I’ve got the 548 you were talkin about! It’s way no longer mint! I had to change pups due to microphonics. It has been a fantastic playing guitar. Thanx for the video!!! I’ll try to post pics on here if I can.
A Gretsch white penguin... that sounds so awesome. Jack white played one in the white stripes too! Thankyou for my new dream guitar recommendation in a passing comment lol I gotta start savin for my penguin.
Get ready to throw the big money at a White Penguin haha. I felt the same way back in the day when Icky Thump came out but man they're expensive. They have a few editions of them too you should check out - a baritone model, a shark grey, and blue models. A pro tip is you can buy a white with gold binding Gretsch Electromatic, add an armrest and Bigsby if you get one that doesn't have one yet and bam you have a poor man's Penguin!
Hey Trogly! You should create a discord or a subreddit. With that we can share weird guitars (and maybe good deals) not only with you, but with the whole community
Austin, This is your best video by far! I love the detailed history and I do mean DETAILED! Looking forward to some type of Explorer purchase in the near future with the NGD program you offer (This time NO JUNK Epiphone Explorers!). Keep up the good work, us guitar nerds enjoy and appreciate what you do!
Would be hilariously awesome for trogly to dose himself with lsd with a full trip video while trying to do reviews. Pretty sure it would be his first Lucy dose as he seems pretty damn straight
I'm surprised how much I like the white finish and gold hardware. The guitar sounds great. I like the "thickness" of the sound, and it would be a great guitar for playing huge arenas with that massive sound. Good purchase. Thanks
@@jabberdouche ... What? Aldo was looking for one 15 years ago, but just recently told Trogly about when he looked for one. It's called having a memory
Austin I was actually a step ahead of you this TIME, and as always behind your. I guarantee we both called the same guitar trader but you got it. Again. Good on you.
Truss rod almost maxed out, truss rod nut thickly painted, tons of buffing compound, pickup cavities finish and double pick guard screw hole. Yes, it’s a genuine Gibson.
Whenever I hear “People Are Strange” I immediately think of Echo and the Bunnymen’s cover from “The Lost Boys”. And this guitar definitely has a Lost Boys vibe!
Edit - what is the song on the first minute or so of the dirty playing? Sometimes something being rare doesn't always work out.. I prefer this to the Aldo Nova but maaaaan, the Explorer headstock just does not work on a Les Paul 😬 it just looks so DOOFY lol. Like even looks worse than the Smurf headstock on the Maverick Dorado. Either way glad you found a guitar you've been hunting for man, and thanks for documenting it!
i saw one of these in white at matt uminovs guitars in nyc in the late 90's, always thought it was a three pickup aldo nova. saw it in the window one night after they closed, went back a day or so later to inquire about it and it had already sold.
The picture of that black custom shop 1985 Spirit II XPL on the lifton case was mine. The sunburst version with ABR-1 that I had was not called an "Aldo Nova" but rather a "Les Paul EXP". They are all so awesome! The custom studio is way cool with 3 pickups and the raised logo!
Trogly... you never cease to Amaze! My question to you is - If you were to have Gibson make you a signature guitar what would it be like? I mean you review so many unique Gibsons and with Gibson's "Made to Measure" program why not commission your own Gibson guitar...we would all like to see that!
I love that in the latest videos when Trogly's has a really rare guitar that he likes he bumbs up the prices so he can keep it (atleast for a longer time), it makes me feel like he is about to start his collection for the Trogly Museum or just a personal collection which is fine as long as we get a video of it.
What a cool guitar! Sounds as good as it looks too. Thanks for a little respite from the insane world outside to admire this rare gem of a Les Paul. You're like the Mr. Rogers of the guitar world. 😉
I have the a '88 SG SSH with that head stock. Got it at a pawn shop for a really good deal because it has a neck repair at the heal of the neck but plays really good
I had an old US TP-6 that I held onto and used on my main players for touring over the years due to being able to change strings very quickly when needed.
Just pointing out the TP-6 is not useless. Fine tuners exited before Floyd Rose terms did. They are handy for tuning on the fly, for lowering the pitch without getting string slippage, and for (As the name suggests) fine tuning it-making small adjustments that are easier with it than the regular tuner But he is right--they do look cool.
There was one with an oval sticker residue on the back of the headstock that just sold Monday. For purposes of total tally. I know you're a dealer but Norm's may be interested in buying that for their collection. Again kudos, another notch on your belt.
I got to say truly trogly your channel is effing awesome for us guitar and tube amp geeks…. I prefer the Aldo NovaTwo pick up model with the super distortion in the neck position and you’re ready to rock ‘n’ roll brother … Keep on rockin……
Ahh! The XPL! Nice! I had one of those Flying V's for a few years. Fantastic, but mine had the Kahler that was a little uncooperative for my tastes. I remember seeing that one you have photographed there on Reverb. I kick myself all the time for not grabbing that one! Nice aged white, beat up, and was dirt cheap too!
That looks like something Steve Clark from Def Leppard would play. Picture it hanging super low with him strutting on the round stage. Also, loved the 'Ghostbusters' bit in the demo!
I think they were putting on thick necks, TP-6’s and pointed Explorer headstocks to compete with Kramer, ESP, etc, and how their guitars looked. I worked with Randy for a while there. He was a really good guy.
Maybe someone already pointed this out, but if you remove a tuner you can see the wood and determine if it is maple or mahogany. There is usually little to no paint in the holes.
Truly a Holy Grail guitar - I hope you enjoyed learning about this insanely rare model!
If you enjoy my content, don't forget to subscribe and check back daily for new episodes.
🔴Reverb: reverb.com/item/36627374?_aid=growsumo&gs_partner=Trogly
🍭Shop Sweetwater + Support the Show ➡️ imp.i114863.net/trogly
💰New to Reverb? Get $10 on Me ➡️ reverb.grsm.io/earn10
❓Private Help Sessions: troglysguitarshow.com/help-appraisals/
👕 Merch: teespring.com/basic-logo-4245?pid=211
The headstock is so out of place it looks cool
This was a great find Austin, congrats.
@Mralsfan6 s I disagree. The headstock is what gives it its cool factor.
@@ZaneDalton it would be cool either way but much cooler being a weird mashup by far
gonna add something to the fine tuners on the bridge discussion,, actually very useful, you can seamlessly adjust if you're slightly out of tune while you're playing,, puts right under your fingertips so you can tune without missing a beat
Honestly one of the coolest guitars I've see in awhile
Agreed.
Correction--stupid.
I love it
That XPL is beautiful. They SHOULD re-make it. I think it's more interesting than a lot of Les Paul's. It's got a classy side to it and a rock and roll side. Very cool!
I wouldn't be surprised if Lizzy Hale of Halestorm tries to get one, or even make it as her next signature model. It just seems to be the natural progression between her Explorer and a Les Paul.
I have 5 XPL guitars, they are all fun. All different, all have different neck sizes, crazy. No hardtails. The way I understand it they had just completed the sell to Jerkoffski and alot of the production personnel had been let go so theCustom Shop was cranking out as many guitars as they could, with CS markers. They were trying to make something to compete with the crazy bodies of their competitors at the time, and make it affordable. Hence the XPL's, and various other attempts at a Superstrat. I have a Victory MVX in sparkling red with M3 electronics, those didnt sell well, but they sound great. Have 6 original M3s but they came out later and missed the "80s crazy guitar" market. The M3s are monster shredders. The reissue M3s are not close to the original and dont have the outstanding electronics that switch from 2 humbuckers to 3 single coils pups with a 5 way selector like a strat. Even have 3 Studio Lyte M3s. Love the 500T at the bridge, totally mean and cuts right thru. Those are my players.
@@rockdaddy2168 They were totally trying to compete with Kramer, Ibanez, Charvel, etc. “Beak” headstocks were everywhere in the ‘80s. That neck is almost exactly like a Kramer Baretta.
Ya, cause a regular lp ain't got nothing to do with rock n' roll!
I would call it the - Ex -Paul
underrated comment
The Lesplorer.
@@joermnyc hahahah dammit! Ya beat me to it!! I was actually waiting for trogley ya say that it’s called the lesplorer
Expauler
@@TheKaappari Hahahaha yup that’s great to!!
You deserve so much credit for documenting all these guitars! I hope Gibson sponsors you eventually!
I love that Austin played “People are Strange” and “Love Me Two Times”
Austin, you are truly a Gibson man! That's why I love this channel. You have featured many Gibson guitars I've never knew existed.
Oh boy, I can already tell this episode is going to be awesome!
I LOVE that gold GIBSON logo on the head.
This is wonderful Austin, GREAT work on your part Sir.
Congrats on this guitar, awesome.
Gotta say Trogly your content is really comforting to people more than you know. My mom last away today suddenly and it’s been a roller coaster to say the least. Trying to get to sleep (it’s 10:20) my time and clicked on your video about this crazy LP and I smiled man. I’m a drummer but you got me to go get a SG standard earlier this year after watching your videos for over a year. Thanks for spreading passion and creativity it helps a lot when you least expect it.
Now that is a cool Les Paul!
I’ve got the 548 you were talkin about! It’s way no longer mint! I had to change pups due to microphonics. It has been a fantastic playing guitar. Thanx for the video!!! I’ll try to post pics on here if I can.
What? A studio custom XPL! Who knew? Thanks to the gibson employee that kept his records. Live long and prosper.
always wanted the explorer and a les paul so this would work perfectly for me :)
A Gretsch white penguin... that sounds so awesome. Jack white played one in the white stripes too! Thankyou for my new dream guitar recommendation in a passing comment lol I gotta start savin for my penguin.
Get ready to throw the big money at a White Penguin haha. I felt the same way back in the day when Icky Thump came out but man they're expensive. They have a few editions of them too you should check out - a baritone model, a shark grey, and blue models. A pro tip is you can buy a white with gold binding Gretsch Electromatic, add an armrest and Bigsby if you get one that doesn't have one yet and bam you have a poor man's Penguin!
Watch Trogly’s review
Hey Trogly! You should create a discord or a subreddit. With that we can share weird guitars (and maybe good deals) not only with you, but with the whole community
I'm totally up for a Discord
Definitely, a sub-reddit would be badass.
I’m so excited for this one!! Woohoo Trogly!
That aged yellowed one is beyond GORGEOUS, Gibson needs to run these again...
Definitely a keeper. Congrats Trogly you deserve it for your dedication to documenting Gibson's
You are so lucky to come into contact with all these beautiful guitars that you show us all the time.
Rock on
Austin, This is your best video by far! I love the detailed history and I do mean DETAILED! Looking forward to some type of Explorer purchase in the near future with the NGD program you offer (This time NO JUNK Epiphone Explorers!). Keep up the good work, us guitar nerds enjoy and appreciate what you do!
I’m here for the daily dose!
Would be hilariously awesome for trogly to dose himself with lsd with a full trip video while trying to do reviews. Pretty sure it would be his first Lucy dose as he seems pretty damn straight
Coming to like and comment at the 10 minute mark. Your output is getting better and better!
I'm surprised how much I like the white finish and gold hardware. The guitar sounds great. I like the "thickness" of the sound, and it would be a great guitar for playing huge arenas with that massive sound. Good purchase. Thanks
So far this is my favorite episode! What a great looking guitar, they should reissue these so we can all enjoy one!
I am surprised that Aldo didn't offer to buy this one off of you... since he said he was trying to buy one.
That was 15 years ago when he was looking at one
@@Trog 15 years ago and you thought to screen shot his reply? Smart!
@@jabberdouche ... What?
Aldo was looking for one 15 years ago, but just recently told Trogly about when he looked for one. It's called having a memory
@@Wyatt42069 ahhh ... I thought that exchange was 15 years ago. Thanks for the correction
@@JohnnyMegabyteCanada that is false information.
Literally this is the most awesome Gibson I’ve ever seen! I absolutely loved it. I would totally play this!
Hey Trog ... I love your appreciation for the aesthetics of guitars. Means you put thought into the art of guitar making, and not just the sound.
Austin I was actually a step ahead of you this TIME, and as always behind your. I guarantee we both called the same guitar trader but you got it. Again. Good on you.
Wow, that is one of the best sounding Les Pauls I've ever heard. Jeez, that thing sings!
Man, you do so much for Gibson and the Gibson collectors community. Shame on Gibson for not understanding what you bring to the table.
always nice to see another Aldo Nova guitar
Ok that name was NOT what i expected! Thank god we have people like Austin to figure this stuff out...
Truss rod almost maxed out, truss rod nut thickly painted, tons of buffing compound, pickup cavities finish and double pick guard screw hole. Yes, it’s a genuine Gibson.
This thing seems to be built with left over parts and yet maybe the coolest guitar they built the whole decade
This video... This is why I love this channel.
that bleep was one of your top moments on UA-cam hahahah
Really seems 80's Gibson is starting to earn the love and respect it deserves from you! :P
thats where I say you need to try the Studio Pro Lite II ! - I straight up stole one from the internet and it rules.
Amazing documentary of such a rare guitar. Shame it has to live in a box and not onstage being played. Good video, keep up the good work
Nice touch opening up some doors. Don't know why but that style headstock always reminds me of a duck head or a hockey stick.
Whenever I hear “People Are Strange” I immediately think of Echo and the Bunnymen’s cover from “The Lost Boys”. And this guitar definitely has a Lost Boys vibe!
Edit - what is the song on the first minute or so of the dirty playing?
Sometimes something being rare doesn't always work out.. I prefer this to the Aldo Nova but maaaaan, the Explorer headstock just does not work on a Les Paul 😬 it just looks so DOOFY lol. Like even looks worse than the Smurf headstock on the Maverick Dorado. Either way glad you found a guitar you've been hunting for man, and thanks for documenting it!
Sounded like 'People are Strange' by The Doors 26:40
Echo & the Bunnymen covered it for 'The Lost Boys' movie
Sounds like a little doodle he made a while back on the Marilyin Manson version of Sweet Dreams
@@DavyHulme oh nah not at that point, the first part of the dirty tones segment. Ik People Are Strange. It's definitely a song from somewhere
@@ibnsina9486 I think it's an actual song
@@_dmfd ah, yeah brain skipped the 'dirty playing' qualification
It’s took some warming up but I have learned to really love those les Paul’s with explorer headstocks
Trogly's in the HOUSE!!!
I saw one with a reverse Explorer headstock and a Floyd Rose with that goofy locking nut after the real nut. The 80's was wild.
i saw one of these in white at matt uminovs guitars in nyc in the late 90's, always thought it was a three pickup aldo nova. saw it in the window one night after they closed, went back a day or so later to inquire about it and it had already sold.
Now this is a great birthday year guitar for me! May 1986 this thing is Epic!
The picture of that black custom shop 1985 Spirit II XPL on the lifton case was mine. The sunburst version with ABR-1 that I had was not called an "Aldo Nova" but rather a "Les Paul EXP". They are all so awesome! The custom studio is way cool with 3 pickups and the raised logo!
Trogly... you never cease to Amaze! My question to you is - If you were to have Gibson make you a signature guitar what would it be like? I mean you review so many unique Gibsons and with Gibson's "Made to Measure" program why not commission your own Gibson guitar...we would all like to see that!
Hopefully in 2021 you’ll see some of my designs come to life via the Made to Measure program!
I love that in the latest videos when Trogly's has a really rare guitar that he likes he bumbs up the prices so he can keep it (atleast for a longer time), it makes me feel like he is about to start his collection for the Trogly Museum or just a personal collection which is fine as long as we get a video of it.
SUPER COOL looking, I like the dots. Deserves a reissue, in black-ebony too.
Very cool and thanks taking us along on a neat adventure!
I like the Explorer headstock. It was clearly their answer to Fender, but still with its own original identity. Wish they’d put it on more guitars.
Nice Aldo Nova you've got there!
Those pickups sound magic
Think I will build a kit guitar version of this.
How I love the beginning of this playing demo! How you almost play The Doors, I recognize the songs, but then again you don't infringe the copyright.
What a cool guitar! Sounds as good as it looks too. Thanks for a little respite from the insane world outside to admire this rare gem of a Les Paul. You're like the Mr. Rogers of the guitar world. 😉
I have the a '88 SG SSH with that head stock. Got it at a pawn shop for a really good deal because it has a neck repair at the heal of the neck but plays really good
Cant believe that hasnt sold yet! Still time for me to win the lottery! Fantastic!
That's right up there with the Les Paul with a drooping horn that the guitarist in Devon used to play.
You should keep this one. You rock it well sir!
5:20 it's amazing how much difference there is to the intonation and the saddles are pretty much reversed
Let's give it up for Austin's dedication
The Les Paul DC XPL is my favorite guitar of all time
This makes me think of a Lzzy Hale signature if she went with a Les Paul but still did the Explorer headstock
Glad you’ve been listening to the doors!
Id love to rock out on that thing, such a sweet looking guitar
I had an old US TP-6 that I held onto and used on my main players for touring over the years due to being able to change strings very quickly when needed.
Amazing Trogly! Any news on your Fender Mod Shop ?
What a beauty! This was a treat. Thank you!
Playing the doors made my entire day!
Just pointing out the TP-6 is not useless.
Fine tuners exited before Floyd Rose terms did.
They are handy for tuning on the fly, for lowering the pitch without getting string slippage, and for (As the name suggests) fine tuning it-making small adjustments that are easier with it than the regular tuner
But he is right--they do look cool.
There was one with an oval sticker residue on the back of the headstock that just sold Monday. For purposes of total tally. I know you're a dealer but Norm's may be interested in buying that for their collection. Again kudos, another notch on your belt.
I’m almost positive I have a Gibson catalog with one of these pictured in it, along with the other XPL guitars. Their was even SG XPL
Let me know if you find that! austin@troglysguitarshow.com
@@Trog I’ll keep you posted!
Never heard of the XPL series before, but that explains the Flying V with Explorer headstock I had back in late 1986 and I let it go... damn!
Just saw a 2020 Fender Professional II Strat in the Dark Knight color way and its stunning! Hope you can do a unboxing of it!
Thank you for playing the doors 😃
I got to say truly trogly your channel is effing awesome for us guitar and tube amp geeks…. I prefer the Aldo NovaTwo pick up model with the super distortion in the neck position and you’re ready to rock ‘n’ roll brother … Keep on rockin……
Ahh! The XPL! Nice! I had one of those Flying V's for a few years. Fantastic, but mine had the Kahler that was a little uncooperative for my tastes. I remember seeing that one you have photographed there on Reverb. I kick myself all the time for not grabbing that one! Nice aged white, beat up, and was dirt cheap too!
Love this channel
That looks like something Steve Clark from Def Leppard would play. Picture it hanging super low with him strutting on the round stage. Also, loved the 'Ghostbusters' bit in the demo!
Gibson/episode really needs to make a les paul with an explorer headstock it looks so classy
DO. NOT. LET. THIS. GUITAR. GO!! That is such a unique beauty. Don't trade or sell it for the world
Awesome videos, I learn so much from your channel!
I think they were putting on thick necks, TP-6’s and pointed Explorer headstocks to compete with Kramer, ESP, etc, and how their guitars looked. I worked with Randy for a while there. He was a really good guy.
I hope you let Aldo Nova know what you found out about the guitar. I liked the clean tones also
That f'n thing is beautiful. I mean, it sounds fantastic. It looks like you're having a good time, too.
This is the third Gibson since I started playing I would consider owning besides a 68 V or Explorer.
The songs you played fit that guitar perfectly 👌
Maybe someone already pointed this out, but if you remove a tuner you can see the wood and determine if it is maple or mahogany. There is usually little to no paint in the holes.
Good point!
I always loved my TP6. Easy to tune during play, and me 78 black beauty went out a lot on the b and e string. If I did a lot of bends then as well.
The red double-cut is awesome
What a white beauty!!, congratulations on this gorgeous Aldo Nova
Sherlock Trogly solves the mystery, great sleuthing!
Great episode, Mr. Trog! Keep it up! 😎
Gray protection below the pickguard means there is real silver mirror, not just the reflecting paint.
Personally I think its a sweet looking guitar and they should bring it back
Since that guitars from my birth year it's now my holy grail must one day own Gibson for sho...