As one of the older music lovers posting here,.... and having been around great players for much of that time,... I would have to agree with most saying that a great guitarist will make ANYTHING they touch sound great,... however,....
As C7 posted, Eric Clapton knows a bit about tone,.... as do many of the 'Old School' players,..... and the recording that many do is with a miced small tube amp, such as the Tweed Champ that Eric used on the recording of Layla.
That is a similar story to some of Steve Stills material, of EVH and many others,....
Tone is a result of the rig and player together,.... and it does not neccessarily mean you have to have all the latest greatest gear,.... learn about putting some of YOU into the notes you are playing,.... then some of who you are shines thru to create the subtle nuances of tone,.... it really is more about allowing the soul of sound to shine,....
and one key ingrediant,..... make sure you ,.......
well,......
you know,.....
practice,practice,practice,practice,practice,practice,practice,........
you get the point.....
Steve