FWIW...and not to be redundant...I agree with Wilmer AND Dave!
I think what Wilmer is saying is...NO horn will make a difference in your playing (i.e., "magical improvementmagical horn) if the player hasn't reached a certain "skill level" to begin with. A skilled player such as Freddy Hubbard (who is obviously VERY skilled!) would sound good (or like himself) on ANY given horn...student to pro model. While with Joe Blow (who never practices and has a VERY low skill level) ...it wouldn't make a difference what horn he put to his face...he'd still suck (for lack of a better term)!
I think Dave simply took this topic to the next level by adding that Freddie Hubbard may sound like himself on ANY horn he picks up...but behind the horn...to him...he probably doesn't "feel" comfortable on some of them...so he prefers to choose X, Y, or Z to perform on because, TO HIM, that brand/model suits him the best. Again...he still sounds like Freddie...and that's a GOOD thing!
I've enjoyed reading everyone's posts on this thread!
Butch