Pieces of the "Tone Puzzle"

[Plank_Spanker]

We're all searching for the Holy Grail, yet the quest is personal and different to every player. Some players hold the guitar as the center of "tone". Others hold the amp as such. There are some that believe it's a balanced equation.

My take:

Some players seek the ultimate "tone woods", construction, and hardware only to basically ignore the amp. Others look to the amp as their tone savior. I'm in the middle - both the guitar and amp are equal partners. While a good deal rides on the abilities and touch of the player, a great guitar will sound ho-hum through a ho-hum amp. It can be argued that a great amp will make a mediocre guitar sound better. You reach Valhalla with a great guitar played through a great amp.

Another oft mentioned point is "tone is in the fingers". To me, that is true to a point. That comes from playing the amp. Some amps need to played more than others. My Germino is a classic example - it's honest to a fault, and will only give you what you give it. You need to play it right along with the guitar. You need to understand it and come to terms with it to get the most out of it.

To me, the road to "Tone Heaven" is paved with lots of variables - and it's different for every player.

What are your thoughts, fellow Fretters?

************Props to Nelskie for suggesting this thread***********