Though I baulk at the term 'axeman' (irony's no excuse,
Veck!), here's my selection of variously mine/variously not, axes which I use.
Taylor cutaway, Kottke signature - primary weapon of choice
Jazz bass - primary weapon of I-Can't-Be-Arsed-To-Change-The-Strings...
Strat - it may be a Mex, but it can still sound ridiculously, classically lovely
Seagull S6 - wot i did lern 2 play on (it's a dreadnought, and if any mid-range acoustic sounds
acoustic, that Seagull's it. that thing's still got some punchy volume on it)
Manuel Raimundo 660 elec/acoustic cutaway - acoustic fingerpicking's my particular poison, and that is a quality bit of kit. Gorgeous to play, and its treble notes sound like bells. Made my very nice angels.
Other than knowing what I play, and how to play what I want, I'm not good on hardware. As I've no real need to use the Peavey Classic 30 in t'other room, I'm an amp-noob. Self-made samples and a pair of 'phones is my more natural habitat! Sample clean - then , as necessary.
As far as 'I want a...' buys: a Marxophone.
Here's the frighteningly winsome Natasha Khan, aka
Bat For Lashes, introducing (and, aside from the Marxophone, I know I speak for on this when I say; swoon.)