This point is central to my overly simplistic comments about the guitar making the guitarist."I'd rather sound somewhat unique"
Roger McGuinn had a nice picking and playing style but without the Rickenbacker 12 string he may not have been recognized to the extent he was. Sometimes musicians have a very short window of opportunity to make an impression.
Would a full scale Hofner Club 40 been adequate for Lennon to capture the attention of promoters and fans?
Would a Burns' 12 string guitar have allowed Harrison to shine through in any event? Based on the sound and look of the "big horned" Burns' Bison, would McGuinn be beating a path to the door looking for one?
Clearly talented musicians will shine through regardless of the instrument, but borrowing from Kevin's point, isn't it the uniqueness of sound and appearance that highlights the guitarist as well.
Would Wille Nelson have done better without the hole in his guitar? Yes as long as the sum of the parts is greater than the hole. Otherwise he would have nothing with which to play.
