The Jag came to me without a case and in a most disturbing state of filth. I have taken a number of pictures before any cleaning whatsoever, which I will share/post to the best of my ability. Since I have never done this before, I ask for patience and understanding straight away. The serial # of the metal plate on the body of this Jaguar is 11133.
This is confusing straight away because that number indicates a date of 1956 but that can't be right because the Jaguar wasn't introduced until 1962. So then I notice that same # on the tremolo as a patent # so I guess they put that same # on the body plate? 
I will be taking the neck off to get a look at the information there, but not before I have satisfied myself that it is even necessary. I have several questions to be answered before I do anything at all to this guitar. I am concerned that I will become overly attached to this instrument should I put too much effort into her. I am a guitar lover at heart and I'm certain that just cleaning her will begin the process of attachment. I realize this is goofy sentiment but nonetheless true.I thought I might share the experience from beginning to end with anyone who might find it interesting. I also am in hopes that those enthusiast/experts with any interest in doing so would offer up any and all opinion and assistance in my endeavor. I will try my best to share pics all along the way. I am an avid player myself, but I make no claims of expertise nor any special skills. I am willing though, to do anything I can to make this guitar the best it can be. My first thought about this project is to do no more than necessary to get the guitar up and playing. I would of course replace missing inlays and the binding on the neck.
Some of the questions that I have before I even put a rag to her:
What's with the neck to body fitting? Is this really the way they fitted these at the factory? It seems like a mismatch, so that is a red flag to me.
What's with the tuner plate being separated into two pieces? Is that normal?
Can someone explain the "contour body" feature to me? Is this an actual carving out of the back of the body to give a slight "dishing" for lack of a better word? I don't have a picture yet that shows this, but if this isn't done on purpose, then one would assume the body to be warped.
Should I just clean her up for my friend, or should I go for a complete restore? If I owned this guitar, I would do no more than necessary to get her up and playing because I respect what an instrument has been through in it's life and I just think it has a really "cool" vibe.
Where do I start to look for a tremolo arm?
What is the neck binding material and the inlay material, and can I still get it?
These are "before" photos.
That's it for now......... what next?
