Check out the Gibson Les Paul Historic Goldtop '57 reissue, there are some nice prices out there. Also, it will increase in value of you keep in in mint condition. I got one and just keep it in the flight case whenever its not in use. Lovely guitar but I still prefer my Jem and EBMM Petrucci 7 string.

Do yourself a favour and try the EBMM Petrucci axe... guaranteed to feel unlike any other axe you have ever played and it has by far the best neck I have ever tried (even better than my top of the range Jem). THe piezo pickup and stereo jack provide amazing tonal combinations and the custom Dimarzio pickups and amazing, if you look hard enough you'll probably get one for around $1,500 (after haggling down - on E-bay).