Tone

[Paul Brennan]

I agree with all the above - the basics of good tone are in your hands and in your head. Maybe it's in your head first and then this gets routed to your hands.
Having said that the quest for good tone is never ending for most people. So, when an experienced player is satisfied they are doing everything they should be doing in terms of good technique the search will start to focus on amplifiers and other pieces of equipment.

Bear in mind that top players like PF are probably given bits of gear by various builders and suppliers for free. It is a huge boost to the profile of brand X if PF is playing it.