Yes, yes, yes: the instrument you choose makes a difference.
I agree that a good player can get the best out of any given guitar-but-he or she will get MORE out of a better quality instrument. I have played many acoustic guitars in many years of playing, and a good player can instantly feel immediately when playing,how responsive or non-responsive an instrument is.

I know what I like: a certain combination of sound that is clear,loud and has a degree of sustain with attractive overtones. There may be time you want a kind of funky cheap-guitar sound, but that guitar will never be your all round favorite...

Rich