Skills vs tools

"I'm just trying to save up money so i can buy a midi keyboard and maybe a microphone...", words that i hear all too often among fellow composers and producers. Theres nothing actually wrong with trying to acquire more equipment, in fact more equipment can up your service price and attract more clients. What i have a problem with is the drive behind trying to aquire new equipment. Many of the times when i hear the "new equipment" statement its from talentless chancers looking to score clients from showing off equipment. Sadly it works sometimes. SO what REALLY matters, skills or tools? Im for skills, sKills and more SKILLS! If you know your craft and can use whatever limited resources you have to the max of their abilities, you can out perform any skill less individual on any day, and probably give the skilled individuals a run for their money. so what am i saying? im saying really judge your self and your abilities, and if they not up to scratch, hold back on buying equipment your probably not ready to use anyways. Save up that money and keep it, then once your skills match the industry standards you can purchase equipment of the same skill level. -something to think about- in the "REAL" world clients will hire you for what you can do (finished products) not for what you own. so decide for yourself what is more valuable to you SKILLS or TOOLS