The Story, Review + Demo | 1986 Gibson Les Paul Studio Custom XPL (Les Paul with Explorer Headstock)

[@Trog]

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

[@ZaneDalton]

The headstock is so out of place it looks cool

[@hkguitar1984]

This was a great find Austin, congrats.

[@ZaneDalton]

@Mralsfan6 s I disagree. The headstock is what gives it its cool factor.

[@mcamp9445]

@@ZaneDalton it would be cool either way but much cooler being a weird mashup by far

[@garycoates4987]

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

[@butterknight37]

Honestly one of the coolest guitars I've see in awhile

[@AnonymousBosch3158]

Agreed.

[@big_bicep_bill7594]

Correction--stupid. I love it

[@aliensporebomb]

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!

[@jackkay4310]

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.

[@rockdaddy2168]

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.

[@5roundsrapid263]

@@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.

[@garyjones7044]

Ya, cause a regular lp ain't got nothing to do with rock n' roll!

[@Ebolter1]

I would call it the - Ex -Paul

[@TVsBen]

underrated comment

[@joermnyc]

The Lesplorer.

[@timothycormier3494]

@@joermnyc hahahah dammit! Ya beat me to it!! I was actually waiting for trogley ya say that it’s called the lesplorer

[@TheKaappari]

Expauler

[@timothycormier3494]

@@TheKaappari Hahahaha yup that’s great to!!

[@jesselawson224]

You deserve so much credit for documenting all these guitars! I hope Gibson sponsors you eventually!

[@danieln4567]

I love that Austin played “People are Strange” and “Love Me Two Times”

[@ZaneDalton]

Oh boy, I can already tell this episode is going to be awesome!

[@octacilioalvares5879]

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

[@VodkaSelekta]

I'm totally up for a Discord

[@ohgoddragons4541]

Definitely, a sub-reddit would be badass.

[@hkguitar1984]

This is wonderful Austin, GREAT work on your part Sir. Congrats on this guitar, awesome.

[@tylercole5218]

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.

[@_dmfd]

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!

[@mcamp9445]

Watch Trogly’s review

[@wiseguy9202]

Now that is a cool Les Paul!

[@jamesshaw476]

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.

[@AldoRaine1234]

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.

[@brandonponton4623]

always wanted the explorer and a les paul so this would work perfectly for me :)

[@briansimpson8116]

I LOVE that gold GIBSON logo on the head.

[@brianpike4070]

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.

[@TayTayKemp]

I’m so excited for this one!! Woohoo Trogly!

[@dommadonia5862]

What? A studio custom XPL! Who knew? Thanks to the gibson employee that kept his records. Live long and prosper.

[@mike02614]

I’m here for the daily dose!

[@mcamp9445]

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

[@patrickyeager7994]

You are so lucky to come into contact with all these beautiful guitars that you show us all the time. Rock on

[@duanewelsh5611]

Definitely a keeper. Congrats Trogly you deserve it for your dedication to documenting Gibson's

[@FrehleyBurst9-1878]

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!

[@picksalot1]

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

[@Westy1724]

I am surprised that Aldo didn't offer to buy this one off of you... since he said he was trying to buy one.

[@Trog]

That was 15 years ago when he was looking at one

[@jabberdouche]

@@Trog 15 years ago and you thought to screen shot his reply? Smart!

[@Wyatt42069]

@@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

[@jabberdouche]

@@Wyatt42069 ahhh ... I thought that exchange was 15 years ago. Thanks for the correction

[@Pooch1069]

@@JohnnyMegabyteCanada that is false information.

[@lkbakken99]

that bleep was one of your top moments on KZbin hahahah

[@johnnyringo8174]

So far this is my favorite episode! What a great looking guitar, they should reissue these so we can all enjoy one!

[@buckhinschwey]

Coming to like and comment at the 10 minute mark. Your output is getting better and better!

[@mboyer68]

Man, you do so much for Gibson and the Gibson collectors community. Shame on Gibson for not understanding what you bring to the table.

[@demokraatti]

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.

[@clarkbabin9799]

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.

[@jacobusesterhuizen1294]

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

[@readsmith4223]

That aged yellowed one is beyond GORGEOUS, Gibson needs to run these again...

[@davidrosenzweig1380]

This thing seems to be built with left over parts and yet maybe the coolest guitar they built the whole decade

[@jabberdouche]

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.

[@Geetarman69420]

It’s took some warming up but I have learned to really love those les Paul’s with explorer headstocks

[@ginsmell519]

always nice to see another Aldo Nova guitar

[@braden2112]

Literally this is the most awesome Gibson I’ve ever seen! I absolutely loved it. I would totally play this!

[@papasmamas1]

SUPER COOL looking, I like the dots. Deserves a reissue, in black-ebony too.

[@thedondeluxe6941]

Wow, that is one of the best sounding Les Pauls I've ever heard. Jeez, that thing sings!

[@gabrielledebourg2487]

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!

[@nicktopping2484]

Cant believe that hasnt sold yet! Still time for me to win the lottery! Fantastic!

[@joeyaworski3728]

Love this channel

[@hhearst]

This video... This is why I love this channel.

[@rexnavarro2918]

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!

[@Trog]

Hopefully in 2021 you’ll see some of my designs come to life via the Made to Measure program!

[@erickleefeld4883]

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.

[@user-no2oz5mh7x]

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.

[@garyyarago2096]

That's right up there with the Les Paul with a drooping horn that the guitarist in Devon used to play.

[@BurntTapeProductions2016]

Awesome

[@JohnSmith.907]

Those pickups sound magic

[@grindooutlaw189]

Really seems 80's Gibson is starting to earn the love and respect it deserves from you! :P

[@grindooutlaw189]

thats where I say you need to try the Studio Pro Lite II ! - I straight up stole one from the internet and it rules.

[@RileyNagle]

Id love to rock out on that thing, such a sweet looking guitar

[@jasonwright7513]

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. 😉

[@_dmfd]

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!

[@DavyHulme]

Sounded like 'People are Strange' by The Doors 26:40 Echo & the Bunnymen covered it for 'The Lost Boys' movie

[@ibnsina9486]

Sounds like a little doodle he made a while back on the Marilyin Manson version of Sweet Dreams

[@_dmfd]

@@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

[@_dmfd]

@@ibnsina9486 I think it's an actual song

[@DavyHulme]

@@_dmfd ah, yeah brain skipped the 'dirty playing' qualification

[@jalmodov7817]

What a beauty! This was a treat. Thank you!

[@joeyskar]

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.

[@Skubbaa]

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!

[@sidiox7857]

Ok that name was NOT what i expected! Thank god we have people like Austin to figure this stuff out...

[@zaprockskull2087]

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.

[@philluck1956]

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.

[@Greg-vd5om]

Trogly's in the HOUSE!!!

[@GlenRucker]

Very cool and thanks taking us along on a neat adventure!

[@dougreed9843]

Sounds as good as it looks wow nice.. great video one of my favorites for sure. That is my favorite Gibson guitar sound it's amazing

[@Pooch1069]

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!

[@maekong2010]

That f'n thing is beautiful. I mean, it sounds fantastic. It looks like you're having a good time, too.

[@gilbertgarcia6247]

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

[@keshin_martin]

DO. NOT. LET. THIS. GUITAR. GO!! That is such a unique beauty. Don't trade or sell it for the world

[@PureAsGold]

Now this is a great birthday year guitar for me! May 1986 this thing is Epic!

[@vernonhoover1387]

I dig the dark fingerboard.the custom binding is cool

[@achimdg6335]

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.

[@JackSssss]

Thank you for playing the doors 😃

[@dennisdedman2164]

You should keep this one. You rock it well sir!

[@maryannmoran-smyth3453]

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……

[@heathpass3708]

Think I will build a kit guitar version of this.

[@andrewpappas9311]

This makes me think of a Lzzy Hale signature if she went with a Les Paul but still did the Explorer headstock

[@hailmaryrecordings8255]

The red double-cut is awesome

[@davejeffries5001]

Really cool guitar Trog! Enjoy it.

[@cornelius5595]

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!

[@TzebbLIsla]

Little fun fact. Every mirror is mat grey on the back side. It’s because it’s a spray on, you spray the coating on a glass surface and the back should become gray and the other side becomes a mirror👍🏼

[@Call_me_Hef]

Awesome videos, I learn so much from your channel!

[@axempizza]

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

[@Trog]

Let me know if you find that! [e-mail]

[@axempizza]

@@Trog I’ll keep you posted!

[@robhorsey9906]

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!

[@barrygoins6900]

The songs you played fit that guitar perfectly 👌

[@slayerfan2]

I randomly guessed that the LP was a Studio. Wasn't expecting it to be right

[@nicolasjs5471]

Looks fantastic, also reminds me to Peter Frampton´s modified Black les paul.

[@woperholic]

PT Barnum said it best... there's one born every minute.

[@michaelsavides8856]

Playing people are strange by The doors is so appropriate for that guitar

[@JROD082384]

I was exactly one week old when that date and signature were put inside that control pot cavity...

[@1972LittleC]

If I had the money, that would be a beautiful birthday guitar.

[@ALTDOK667]

Great episode, Mr. Trog! Keep it up! 😎

[@eduardo0796]

Let's give it up for Austin's dedication

[@rondobondo6600]

Verry cool guitar 🎸 thank you for all of your investigating on this one it was very interesting...thank you

[@HooksBill]

$50,000 for that lol? Holy cow people never cease to amaze me.

[@Paspa1801]

@@sixbladeknife44 It's priced that high because, as he said, he doesn't need to sell it. He likes it and wants to keep it, unless someone does pay that much. It's a really rare guitar so of course he won't sell it for the same price as a guitar they made thousands of.

[@dzeronut_boy]

@@sixbladeknife44 If a guitar is produced in really small numbers [like 5-20], it's going to command a really huge sum of money. Basically, it's the rarity. The rarer a guitar is, the more money you can charge for it. Supply and demand. Of course, you don't have to buy it but if you really want it, gotta fork out the dosh.

[@disco4535]

My God I love this thing

[@alanploeger15]

Great sound, on the neck pick up!

[@Mrrogerz5150]

You know if you keep some of these guitars, Mark Agnesi might want to tour your collection like he did with Brian Ray and Joe Bonamassa

[@Metalbass10000]

THAT is a great guitar in so many ways. Three pickups (though I would really like a P-90, or maybe a good single coil, but for a middle position I really like a humbucker to be significantly different from the bridge and neck pickups), the tail piece is my favorite Gibson tail piece ( the fine tuners are actually pretty useful, yeah, more so with roller saddles in the bridge, but useful still ), I love the mirrored pick guard, the thinner body, my preferred LP weight relief, I like Ebony fretboards over Rosewood, the cool headstock, Tim Shaws are nice, versatile, and on the right guitar, with the right finishes and materials, the gold finish hardware and components are gorgeous. Would love to see that body with a deep quilted figure maple top, a super saturated and deep medium blue dye ( so that the dark areas of the figuring do look deep saturated somewhat dark blue but the lighter areas of the quilt look very bright medium blue ) with a burst that fades into a dark blue so dark that it almost looks black. A multi-laminate neck of maple, and ...not sure yet... Ebony fretboard, yes, but I could also see a birds eye Maple fretboard, a backyard ebony fretboard, pale Moon ebony fretboard, is there a Cote fretboard,... I could see quite a few different things done with the inlay, depending on what the fretboard looked like, but on that specific guitar I actually think abalone dots would look nice with the aged white finish. Trapezoid inlay would look great too. I have a couple other ideas for that specific finish but I will resort those ideas for one of my current guitar builds. Really enjoyed this video, the review of this guitar.

[@MrJohnnyDistortion]

You're rambling. Lay off the sauce. 🥴

[@SouthpawSatch]

Personally I think its a sweet looking guitar and they should bring it back

[@fatherchrist8]

Playing the doors made my entire day!

[@fiveeyes2802]

I like the dots as fret markers.

[@donttalktome4696]

Been waiting months for the Aldo lp episode!