I Have the TRUTH! | 1984 Gibson Aldo Nova Les Paul with Explorer Headstock Reissue XPL | History

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🐕 Episode Guide:
0:00 - Intro - Check Links in the Description
1:28 - Why It Was Made
3:11 - Historic Complications (XPL Series)
5:19 - How Many Were Made?
8:33 - Rick Nielsen's Collection
11:46 - Other Public Examples
13:52 - RFL's Records
15:37 - The "Answer"
17:32 - Inside Look / Specs
25:42 - Weber Demo
27:52 - My Demo
30:24 - Final Thoughts
31:36 - Blacklight Test
32:18 - The Case
📚 Description: The Aldo Nova model has always been a bucket list guitar for me because they are so rare and highly-sought-after collectibles. While not everyone appreciates the Explorer Headstock on the Les Paul Reissue body - it was made famous by Aldo Nova and repopularize and brought into the public eye by Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick. When Rick got his first one in 1996 at Gruhn's guitars - EVERYONE wanted one. Up until today, the commonly accepted fact was that Aldo had his and Rick owned all the other 11 made. Is this story true? Does Rick really own all but one - let me take you on an information journey!
3-4-23 Edit: 83554549 serial has been found
1-28-24 Edit: 83554558 serial has been found raising the potential total much higher!
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[@Trog]

The long-awaited video is now complete! Enjoy 🔴Reverb: reverb.com/item/37298660?_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

[@rondobondo6600]

I got to get one .... would you be willing to sell yours

[@Chewee394]

Any chance you could review a epiphone s-310? Definitely a strange guitar from the brand

[@Alx7051]

I’m glad you’re keeping yours.

[@hkguitar1984]

Well Played Sir. So happy you finally found this instrument. Mr. Weber was great, however I do prefer the sound of the Tim Shaw pickups (I'm not personally a fan of the '57s). Great Content, I've been watching your channel since Nov. of 2014 (6 Years now). The 1st Trogly video I watched was the episode featuring your 1957 Gibson Les Paul Jr.

[@davidrosenzweig1380]

When gibson reissues this thing next year tell them they owe you one Wonder if they would M2M one of these

[@nc-ix6si]

Trogly, please don't sell it, its such a good representation of the channel, quirky, obscure gibson's. It would be the perfect channel mascot

[@nc-ix6si]

Plus if you keep it, you could use it to demo amps as a control, and expand your channel.

[@frantisca]

90 Grand... it's an expensive tool for amp demos...

[@aliensporebomb]

It would be like selling your kid or something. A rere beautiful example of how something "off the map" and seemingly weird on paper can make a lot of sense in reality.

[@sergioajaimes]

yeah, please dont sell it... ; ) keep it for the channel...

[@sidiox7857]

He announced he won't sell this as well as the XPL! 👍

[@cabbage9398]

Aldo and Rick were both very generous with their time. Much appreciated.

[@myoptik3x103]

Man Austin, this is absolutely legendary! How fantastic that you got Aldo himself to tell us the real story. You have gotta be one of the hardest working guitar dealers/historians ever!

[@JoshuaC923]

I know right! What a story, great episode. Really enjoyed it

[@richardcarpenter1594]

Okay, opening with Aldo himself was pretty cool.

[@MaineConservative76]

I used to have that Aldo Nova recording on and 8-track back in the 80’s. Damn this is bring back some memories.

[@kodykindhart5644]

Right we had it on tape and I used to rock it w AC/DC

[@mikejames9642]

I caught Aldo Nova around ‘82 opening up for Cheap Trick in Biloxi, Mississippi. There was another group, Axe, that opened the concert. I bought my first Les Paul in ‘83. Bought the Aldo Nova album too! Good Times!!

[@christopherschlacter4953]

I saw Aldo Nova back in the eighties as an opening act for somebody I dont remember, he was was very good thats why I do remember him.

[@doorlord]

Saw him open for Journey. Blue Oyster Cult & Triumph at the Rose Bowl in July of 82.

[@rodneydwire3141]

I saw him open up for Rainbow in Pittsburgh Stanley theater. Thats the Bent out of Shape tour. Aldo was just promoting the Subject album. OCT. 30 1983

[@seatstitcher3636]

Saw him open for Cheap Trick in ‘82 at the convention center arena in San Antonio.

[@donosborn9899]

@@TroyGrady57 You'd be surprised. Aldo has finished up a new album and is waiting a bit before releasing it. In 2018, he released Aldo Nova 2.0 which were updated versions of some of his hit songs and a few new ones. I'm sure that studio used a lot.

[@agcacustoms2852]

I love these weird guitars, and to be honest the explorer headstock doesn’t look bad at all on any Gibson model.

[@gearViewmirror]

Yes, i love looking down the headstock of my Explorer when i play!

[@hawk6111]

Thats why Jackson, ESP, kramer and ibanez all have it.

[@602gaming]

@@hawk6111 Not on my Ibanez destroyer or my RG321MH

[@hawk6111]

@@602gaming the ibanez headstock is a variation of the "hockey stick" headstock.

[@602gaming]

@@hawk6111 Well, it's a lot straighter ,at least

[@leebatt7964]

Not ashamed to say i saw Aldo live in 83 when i was a junior in high school. My smoking hot redhead nympho girlfriend just had to go to the show, i obliged. Life was just a fantasy and i was living a fantasy life. I have no idea what guitar he was playing nor did i care.

[@guitartim2128]

Man I really dig the Les Paul w/Explorer headstock because in junior high I used to draw Les Pauls exactly that along SGs and Vs with those headsgocks. Great video. Aldo Nova is really cool for appearing on the show Thanx Really Enjoyed it. 🎸👍🎸👍🎸

[@buildingrep8363]

Trogly, I've been watching your channel daily for two years, never commented; just want to say thanks for the work, awesome education- effort appreciated.

[@Trog]

Thanks for watching!

[@bipbipletucha]

This is one of the most gorgeous Les Pauls I've ever seen. Almost makes me want to look into ordering an R9-style with the Explorer headstock

[@SvenTviking]

How about an upside down explorer headstock?

[@artheriford]

I own 2 Les Pauls and they do exactly what Aldo says, especially on the G. This makes a lot of sense.

[@ChrisTheDragonRider]

I can almost hear Joe Bonamassa sweating!

[@honeyblunt5150]

The Bonnabyrd Les Paul is cool and everything, but what would be really cool is an Explorer with a Firebird headstock and banjo tuners.

[@offal]

hahaha, right

[@MastaVo]

Very cool for Aldo to record a video and share the story, top man. Weber rocked too.

[@fatseaturtle]

HUGE COLLAB!!! Big Congratz!

[@Kahuna54]

What a fantastic story! So glad you found your most wanted! You deserve to enjoy the fruits of your labors!

[@johngregory7329]

This is by far the coolest Les Paul ever. You are a very lucky guy. But it is so nice to know that you own this . The very best care taker ever. Thanks again. Signed John Zepbass

[@corndog2835]

I like Aldo, he comes off like a pretty cool down to earth guy.

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

Plus he can laser open a door with a Les Paul.

[@leeder92]

Who would have thought a Les Paul with an Explorer head would work so well. It's fecking gorgeous ❤

[@FrehleyBurst9-1878]

Once again another fine job researching this model and not "buying" into the rumor's that so many KZbinrs with guitar channels keep spreading. It's really not hard to find out the truth if you no where to look, it's so frustrating to hear the same nonsense over and over when the information is out there. I will be putting the the rumor to bed regarding the Allen Collins 1958 Explorer and how he actually came into owning that guitar (and NO he did NOT buy it from Eric Clapton). Anyways, another great video Trogly! Keep up the good work!

[@ghines65]

I remember buying this album. Loved it!

[@TestarossaRocks]

Pretty mild considering my dream Les Paul. Les Paul custom with two humbuckers and a single coil in the middle position. Reverse explorer headstock, block inlays, bound maple fret board. Gold hardware and a Floyd Rose. Painted with a metal flake hot pink and a matching headstock. That’s crazy.

[@charlesbolton8471]

Other than the Floyd and the paint color that sounds cool. I’d love to have a Les Paul with a maple fretboard.

[@wyrmwoodhelix002]

im a relatively new viewer so i didn’t have to wait as long but consider me satisfied to finally see the conclusion of this arc in the trogly show!!

[@michaelhall736]

This may be a cardinal sin, but I would love one of these babies with a Floyd Rose. That's just me though. If I had the money I would get Gibson to custom make my own signature XPL. I already know what it looks like in my head.

[@williamcharlesschneider4825]

I know what it looks like in your head too! #dreampolice

[@ianfurqueron5850]

Agreed. The Les Paul Axcess Floyd model would have looked better with the Explorer headstock. Granted, people still would have pile hate on it...

[@hawk6111]

Never understood the hate by Gibson fanboys have for the floyd rose. If set up correctly tye original Floyd rose dosnt go out of tune,

[@brenttreadwell3453]

Alex Lifeson

[@PastelComGini]

@@hawk6111 I guess Gibson guys like simple things, and the ability to bend one string without the others going down. I had one guitar with a FR, and man, I hated that thing. It's great and bad at the same time.

[@TheE23slack]

One of the best episodes ever. Good job Trogly! ✌🏼❤️🎸

[@wadecourtney8958]

That was worth the wait! I saw Rick Neilson play his first one of these live in Memphis in 1997, that was a good show!

[@mbrighton1802]

This guy really needs more subscribers. His content is great all the tine.

[@michaelolz]

I love Aldo Nova! He’s a legend!

[@markjamesmeli2520]

Worth it for the trip down memory lane. I was graduating from high school just as "Just A Fantasy" by Aldo Nova was breaking out.

[@shaunh9831]

The legend IS true. Aldo has one. Nielsen has all the others. Just happens there were only two made in Kalamazoo, so having one Rick does have all the others. The rest are not Aldo models.

[@ryanfulldark2775]

@@joebryant8500 This guy thought he was being clever. 😂

[@jamesbutterson5218]

Can you live this fantasy life!" 💚👌💨

[@peterjones4621]

Austin, this episode was over the top!! The intro by Aldo Nova announcing the Trogly's Guitar show as sooo cool!! Watching this guitar legend play was quite a treat. Watching Michael Weber play toward the end was sensational!! I'd sell my soul and those of everyone I know to be able to play like that. You're guitar solo at the end was also great! You were flying over that fretboard and transitioning beautifully. What a fantastic show you put on. Great Job!! 👍👍

[@pfg_pedals]

I think the Explorer headstock looks great and makes it probably the only Les Paul to actually play and stay in tune.

[@saltpeter7429]

I want an Explorer headstock. On an explorer. I just think they are the cats ass. But hey, any Gibson is spectacular.all controversy aside, they are the marriage of art and performance.

[@pfg_pedals]

@@saltpeter7429 obviously I love Gibson's or I wouldn't be here nerding out on the weirdest Les Paul, but loving Gibson means loving their flaws which includes tuning stability and easily broken headstocks. I judge instruments on an independent basis rather than just saying "Brand X is the best, always!" Gibson has laid more than their fair share of eggs but there really is nothing like it when you pick up a Les Paul that feels and sounds right to you. That's where imperfections can be a blessing because you have the opportunity to have a one of a kind hand made piece of art rather than something that is mechanically perfect and stale because every piece comes out of a CNC machine.

[@ethanmullett4128]

i'm so stoked rn, thank you austin

[@ecdubytecdubyt]

Such a great video for posterity. Awesome work!!!

[@rawkinj6609]

Aldo Nova is a Canadian legend! He wrote the main guitar riff that would be used in the Jon Bon Jovi song "Blaze of Glory" among other things! Glad to see he is still in rocking form! Cheers!

[@sidiox7857]

Heyy that silverburst has a weird headstock.

[@alex-solo]

You should watch it in color 😉

[@tippytailmckitty2658]

You can tell I'm old, I'm watching this video wondering how Austin insures all his guitars.

[@alwaysopen7970]

I want to unload my insured guitars

[@funkymonkey8174]

You got him so cool!

[@alanquintus2069]

I saw Aldo Nova open for BOC in 82 or 83. He was awesome.

[@joedixon3472]

That’s so cool of Aldo Nova being on your video! My first concert was Aldo Nova. 🤙🏼

[@guydelorme8641]

Aldo is a good guy,saw him many times in concert,(I like to support local artist),he always had nice Gibson and a killing sound.Nice to see him on your channel!

[@fraa888grindr6]

What a blast from the past! I remember buying his first album as a fourteen-year-old.

[@sonicfoundry]

Trogly you are a true inspiration, keep living your dreams brother, outstanding 👍

[@thinkingape7655]

Finally the interview 🤘

[@patrickyeager7994]

Props for bringing this guitar to the youtube masse's . Loved Aldo Nova when I was in highschool glad to see he has a channel. Something else to watch this Thanksgiving. Rock on Trogly.

[@jamesshaw476]

Awesome video! Nicely done!

[@engelsjn]

Wow 🤩 what an episode. Excellent work! 👍🎸

[@danieldaviesguitarist5600]

Fantastic video trogly! I've watched almost everyday since the headless sg video, I've learned so much from your content and am now a full blown guitar addict myself! keep up the great work!

[@paradiswest4395]

One of the best episodes yet , nicely done!

[@duanewelsh5611]

Nice job Austin! Was it worth wait? Definitely. Hats off to Aldo and Rick for taking part.

[@ZombieXee]

I love this video. Been an Aldo Nova fan since the 80's. Good stuff.

[@nathanielvargas3863]

This was a great episode. Thank you for the information Austin

[@DanLeRoy]

awesome to see that people are recognizing the work you do with major rock stars appearing and contributing to your channel !! congrats Trogly that's a testament to the work you do

[@gerardosajidgamezsanchez6962]

I've been Waiting for this review for a long time since the unboxing

[@stephanematis]

Aldo rocked! Such a treat to have him chime in.

[@jefflitchfield4950]

This was worth the wait! Thank you for this.

[@deltarider99]

I loved this. Trogly is a true guitar archeologist!!

[@LucasFerreira-cq8qz]

@@guitarocd9984 Considering electric guitars are 70 years old and the 80s was 40 years ago, i would say its pretty old.

[@NotWillJacko]

That guitar sounds AMAZING!

[@bipbipletucha]

It really does. Has an almost Telecaster-like clearness to the sound

[@svt4001]

Great video! So cool that Aldo appears and offers his recollection of the story!

[@BennyMF2398]

Such a sick guitar! I would rock the hell out of this thing. Also I am once again asking for an RD in depth review please Trogly

[@jondough76]

Awesome video for a fantastic guitar!

[@theitineranthistorian2024]

I wondered what happened to him. I saw him opening for UFO. he was excellent, 1984, phoenix.

[@joeyd3324]

Happy Thanksgiving Trogley, and thanks for all your work...

[@SquishyRed1]

Your videos absolutely relax me for bedtime. Education and destressing. Perfect

[@kocherpm]

Love the opening with Aldo himself! Epic!!

[@Calbertone]

Congrats Trog for the recognition, much deserved!

[@gzo313]

Congrats on all the hard work to get this history in order.

[@marcwigle]

I was at that concert in Mattawa and did see Rick and Aldo talking off-stage so maybe that was when he was asking about buying that guitar. Great concert! Aldo hadn't performed in years and this was his first of that tour. Cheap Trick was the headliner and came on after Aldo. There were three other bands performing that day.

[@zuke-ci4vd]

Excellent job Austin, this will no doubt be a go-to source for anyone researching The Aldo Nova model, or should I say The XPL model, as we now know thanks to your hard work and dedication! 🎸😎👍

[@baggaza]

So dang excited about this video, thanks for the endless entertainment Trog!

[@DennisJPolson]

Awesome! Aldo Nova! Fantasy!! Thank you, Austin!

[@TayTayKemp]

Austin this episode was exceptional!! The intro gave me goosebumps!!

[@AKgulfcoast]

Incredible Episode Trogly!!!! Thank you for your time & wonderful story telling. Happy Thanksgiving homie 🎸🤙🏼

[@dsholt]

Great detective work! And really awesome to have the input from Aldo Nova, Rick Nielsen, and Randy Leonard.

[@guppybill]

Wow! Remember when MTV played music videos? What a memory rush! Thanks Trogly. Thanks Aldo!

[@ziggylayneable]

Austin.. I was digging into some of your older videos for fun. I absolutely love the Aldo Nova I was considering doing one in a build as do the fact that I n a non-professional luthier. I don't build guitars for other people for money but I build them for myself all the time and I am definitely getting ready to go one of these for myself. I love the way these guitars look

[@Mrlegodj]

That's so good they are sharing all this info with us

[@rickenbackerlover7386]

Holy cow, this video took a while to be done. Talking with Nilsen in April. But my man, this video is gold. Probably a top 3 from your channel. That is the content that I like. Thanks m8

[@OldPeepaw]

amazing intro. this one was so fun

[@donnystephens8032]

Great history! Great episode. Thanks Rick, thanks Aldo, and thanks Trogly .

[@jimmyjames2022]

Absolutely enjoyed this great detective story of an awesome spec, Sherlock Trogly!

[@DeadShred9]

For you Younger Guitarists who have never heard of Aldo Nova or Cheap Trick do yourself a favor and check their music out Aldo especially was and probably still is a Awesome guitarist !! Rick with Cheap Trick are still Touring and Rick is Legend nuff said !!

[@cjdubuisson]

I owned an '85 gibson Q3000 with the hockey stick headstock. Bought it new in 1985. I appreciate these quirky Gibson's.

[@peterrezba995]

Aldo I miss those days that was and still is a great tune Life is just

[@johngerson7335]

Really cool upload Trogly, congrats on becoming acquainted with Aldo Nova _and_ Rick Neilson due to weirdo-Gibbys. Especially enjoyed the mention of "Reliable Music" as I used to shop there. It was located in Charlotte, North Carolina and was sort of a "boutique-y" music store before there was such a thing. They had some of the first PRS guitars anywhere down south early on, and it's also where I first played a Bogner Ecstasy head/cabinet when they began being produced. They always had the best used gear there too! Reliable was a really special place, but it got squashed by "Mars Music", then "Sam Ash", then of course the ubiquitous "Guitar Center", which basically squashed the other two big-box music stores as well. Great memories though (Reliable Music, not that other crap), thanks for the reminder.

[@commonzac]

I like Aldo, cool guy.

[@jacobpittman1996]

Amen, laser guitar sealed it for me!

[@johnpaulgarrett1]

This video was great. I felt like i was on a treasure hunt. I tell everyone about your informative videos. NOONE does their homework like you. RICK Nielson's guitars are all in a specialized vault with librarylike endless racks of thousands of priceless guitars. It was a walk down memory lane to see Aldo Nova is still good looking and still shaking his money maker...

[@glennpace9783]

Very cool episode! I actually saw Aldo Nova play in the early 80's. He was the opening act and blew everyone away. It was a long time ago and I can't recall who he was opening up for...either Blue Oyster Cult, Ritchie Blackmore, or Ted Nugent? Great Canadian musician!

[@danieln4567]

This might be one of the best videos Trogly has ever made.

[@adamd.6698]

Hell yeah! What an intro my dude!

[@chriswahle1942]

this is what your channel is all about. obscure models from the 70s and 80s. also love your hunting videos. great work as always!

[@ronbzoom8531]

Holy crap, you actually got Aldo Nova himself. Nice!

[@garyhundsrucker7771]

I'm waiting on my 5150 EVH hockey stick headstock guitar for that exact reason!I also love reverse headstocks because they sound better to me.I'd probably get one of these too if they reissue....2021 Christmas wish list item #1♡

[@thesmearthemagenetwork]

Great vid dude! Love the work put into these!!

[@richardahmyt8683]

Good on the musicians for sharing info.

[@sixslinger9951]

I have an 82 explorer that I put a Kahler whammy on. it served it's purpose in the 80s for me. I just look at the guitar for memories now, it's seen better days.

[@timothyplonk4266]

Sounds great