Practice for developing vocabulary and concept. Technique will follow. It does not work the other way around....that is why there are so many weak players. Learn to read music. Transcribe solos.
There is so much that affects the tone...type of bridge, the speaker, the pickup, the amp, the strings, the wood of the guitar. It takes decades to learn it all....and it is a great ride. (And NO, the SD antiquities do NOT sound like real aged PAFs!). But finally...what affects tone most...
Great topic and SOOO important in this era of buying a guitar at a distance. I am NOT with the 'expert' who says leave full tension on, at this time. (BTW - There are quite a few customers online talking about receiving Larrivee guitars with broken headstocks, shipped at full tension. ) Lately...
An idea that has not been addressed that is crucial in these decisions: There are many levels of "restoration". From minor work and increasing playability to full-scale refin and COMPLETE restoration. If this were my guitar and I wanted to keep it and play it, I would probably spend the 2...