Originally posted by SPL

I'd definitely have to disagree here. I would say it's about 60% technique, 10% gear and 30% actually knowing how to use the gear.
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Fair enough, lets say its 50/50. There is simply no way steve via could get a 10watt marshall and cheap copy guitar to sound good, its simply impossible. Eddie Van Halen is the classic example, if we had the equipment he had we wouldnt sound that bad. I know hes amazing but have you seen the lenghts he goes to to get that tone! Gear is so important.