So, once I am back home, I open it up and here's the rundown:
It's all there and all parts are original except the neck pickup, brass shielding plate in the rythm circuit cavity, and an extra useless jack!
All the rest is there: pots are dated 21st week 1961, neck plate is 1961, single line Kluson tuning keys work great, slab board neck feels fantastic and is super straight with original frets. Wiring was redone almost entirely and it is f*cked up: for example, what should be the tone pot in the rythm circuit is now a blender pot for the neck pickup, etc... I will rewire the whole thing as an original when replacing the neck pickup.
Obviously, the modification that most stands out is the "groovy" carvings the original owner made to it sometime in the 1970's. What started out as an original sunburst guitar became that "creation" in blue/purple burst. Body has two large carvings into the top and the guy had the excellent idea of carving out "Fender" in an otherwise perfect neck.
I know, I know, it looks kinda cool. I agree. BUT, I am pretty set on restoring it. The neck, that's a given: it will be back as original. As for the body, we'll see, but it's really annoying to play as is: the shape of the carving edge where the arm rests digs into the arm, and it's uncomfortable. Plus, it's a 1961 with a great slab board neck. It deserves a restoration, I think.
I am heading to my luthier this afternoon and we'll see what he says.
