[quote name='chris_b' post='462242' date='Apr 14 2009, 04:14 PM']My imagination is always better than I am but my playing usually takes several steps forward when I buy better gear. In my experience better gear helps to improve your confidence and playing ability.[/quote]
+1
It's a constant process, trying to improve your playing, then your sound.. then your imagination goes up a level, and so the whole thing continues.. Having said that, I think there's a point where you probably can't get much better gear once you spend over a certain amount of money, but contiually working on your playing will always improve you as a musician.