Playing - Marlin Sidewinder

New strings, bit of Servisol in the pots and pickup switch... and the bridge lifts like a really lifty thing.

Take the backplate off and find the claw holding the crappy, corroded springs has been screwed in as much as it can be... blocked the trem with a bit of scrap wood so I could at least tune and play it.

It's definitely a very good instrument for what it is... plays nicely, okay sound, not too much noise from the single coils. Longer term it would benefit from new electronics but there's no rush for that; first priority is getting new trem springs so I can take the block out and use the full potential of the instrument, figure I might as well get Floyd Rose springs as the bridge is basically a Floyd knock off.

This is now the only instrument I own that's tuned standard E-e... had a fun morning making a complete balls up of classic thrash and NWOBHM riffs!

Freebie - Marlin Sidewinder

Yesterday I got this from my mum, who'd got it from a friend who was giving it
away.

It's a Marlin Sidewinder, mid-80s guitar aimed at wannabe shredders on a tight budget.

The strings need replacing and the electronics need some TLC, but it plays quite nicely and feels comfortable on the strap. This is definitely a keeper.

Thanks mum!