Interesting thread...I hardly ever post anymore, but this one really caught my attention.

First, Gargoyle speaks a truth. All the people I've considered to be "true" musicians can make at least passably coherent, interesting, and enjoyable sound with any "instrument" you give them. For example, I am clearly not yet one of these people, and may never acquire that level of intuitive talent, but Reynaud can play anything. He recently bought a cello at a yard sale, and was playing it to accompany other musicians later that afternoon at a family gathering.

Second, I think some people have special affinities for certain instruments. They may be "true" musicians by the above definition, or they may not. For example, the instrument I play most is the guitar; it's a constant struggle, challenge, and trial, with occasional moments of frustration thrown in for variety. The instrument for which I feel an affinity, however, is the flute. It was what I wanted to play most way back when as a child, and when I finally was able to acquire one a few years ago, the first thing I did was put it together and play Amazing Grace. Playing the flute is a pleasure, a delight, and a constant sense of discovery, with occasional moments of frustration thrown in for variety.

Third, I think some people have special attachments to particular instruments. These folks may be "true" musicians, or they may not, but in any case, for any one or several of a multitude of reasons, they are partial to a particular instrument. For some examples of these kinds of "attachments," I have an Alvarez that is my main guitar. I like its tone. Last year, by great serendipity, I won a Baby Taylor. It's a pleasure to play. My flute is a Gemeinhardt student flute, and it has some tonal issues, and playability issues, but I'd rather play it than either guitar, and I can't wait until I've saved up enough to buy a better one.

And over and above all of this, I'd rather sing. All I need is me to do that. Nothing to carry, nothing to assemble, nothing to buy.

Fascinating topic. This thread really got me thinking about what I'm spending my musical time on, and why.