About 7 years ago I was given a Marlin Sidewinder by someone who didn't want it any more. Over the past 7 years I have changed EVERY component on the guitar, including the body and neck (which is from a very cool Tokai Springy sound but needed a refin), and yet I still regard it as the same guitar I've had for 7 years. Wierd no?
I mean the thing just isn't in any way the same, although until last month it did still have an original string tree.