Les Pauls are like currency I suppose. 10 pages of Les Pauls and counting. I wonder what % of owners can actually play them?

I think Congress should crack down on illegal Les Paul laundering schemes. Those Columbian drug dealers have been trading in Les Pauls for years, right under the DEA's nose!

You just may be on to something there, MrNJGG!

Personally, the whole "speculative market value"-thing bums me, as it artificially puts a lot of great gear out of reach for many people, and winds up having more influence on the "marketing strategy practices" of the likes of Gibson than the wants and needs of both working and hobbyist musicians and guitar enthusiasts.

Amazing the "demand" side keeps up with the "supply" side, yet prices are still quite high. Still relative "deals" are within reach of some.

Having seen Gibson in action for well over 30 years I can honestly say, if you want resale value, you know what to buy.

Either that or buy a USED boutique guitar and not incur the resale loss.