vintage Les Paul investment questions

[air_leech]

hey,

I been toying with the idea of getting a used instrument that may have a vintage value in the future and just storing it for a few good years until it's value appreciates enough.

I have been looking particularly at late 70s and early 80s Gibson Les Paul Standard and Custom models.
I noticed these are placed in the 2000-2500 USD price range while early 70s Les Pauls fetch 4 and 5 times that price.

my question is wether in 10-15 years from now 80s Les Pauls will have the same status that 60s and early 70 LPs enjoy today?

also, how much does originality affects value?
would non-original hardware, non original pickups, knobs, pots or caps affect the value of the guitar to a point where it looses resale value as a vintage instrument?
is there a buyer's guide that sets the standard for how much a vintage instrument should be sold for?

thanks!

[GeoffByrne]

All mods reduce the value. I suspect LPs will continue to be popular for many decades to come.