Exactly right and important to keep in mind that artistry on a high level requires an instrument of similarly high quality.
As has been pointed out, ultimately what matters most is the player’s musicianship that matters most. However, this is really stating the obvious and the differences and the practically infinite nuances that exist in the playability of different instruments are very important to an accomplished player. Ultimately, those differences are what allow a great player to take his playing one step closer to the sound and expressivity that he is striving for. An inferior, or unsuitable instrument simply won’t allow a player to get there. Great players can make good music on mediocre instruments, but there is a reason that they don’t play mediocre instruments.
It becomes a very personal choice. Some players want an instrument that is very easy to play in the sense that it responds very quickly and with little resistance. Other players prefer to have an instrument that offers a little “fight” and needs more coaxing to respond. The particular playing situation may determine in part the choice of instrument. The quality of the tone is a result of an inherent quality in the instrument and of the particular player’s touch, which is the result of the player’s individual approach to the mechanics of producing a sound as well as his physical characteristics. An accomplished player knows how to control and manipulate these in order to produce the desired sound.
