Re: Had the pleasure of playing an all original 1963 Fender Jazzmaster today.
Lots of Jazzmasters and Jaguars got the "belt sander treatment" in the 70s when they were just old, low-value guitars. My "guitar mentor" (older kid from next door) had one, I don't know what year it was, but his dad played it for years and years, until all the finish wore off it. His dad sanded the rest off and stained it walnut. My friend Krylon-ed it white (and installed a pair of Super Distortions!) when he started playing it. THis was in 77-78 or so.
A doctor I work with (I work in a hospital) knows I play, and brings in his new toys from time to time, since none of his golf buddies play, or care about guitars. He's brought in a crazy purple PRS, an "R9" LP, and he's been talking about bringing in his 50's Strat. Playing them is just amazing, especially since any of them cost more than my car did, I keep trying to trade my parts-caster for them, but he hasn't gone for it yet...