Evaluate Whether to Upgrade Your Instrument or Gear

You are eyeing a new instrument or amp and cannot tell if it would genuinely help or if you are just tempted. This weighs your current setup, level and budget against the real reason for the itch, then tells you straight whether the kit is holding you back or whether the limit is in your hands.

<context>
You play {INSTRUMENT} and are considering upgrading your [instrument / amplifier / accessories / recording gear]. Your current setup is {CURRENT_SETUP}. Your budget is approximately [budget]. Your playing level: [describe]. The reason you are considering upgrading: [describe: e.g. hitting the ceiling of the instrument / want a different sound / the instrument is holding me back / just tempted by new gear].
</context>

<task>
**Help you decide whether to upgrade and what to buy**:
1. Diagnose honestly: is the limitation in the gear or the player? (Most of the time it is the player)
2. Define the specific problem the upgrade would solve: if you cannot state it precisely, it is probably not worth it
3. If an upgrade is justified, specify what to look for at your budget level
4. Compare two or three specific options in the target price range with brief trade-off notes
5. Advise on buying new vs used for this instrument type
</task>

<output_format>
- Honest gear vs player diagnosis
- Problem statement test (one question to answer before buying)
- What to look for at your budget (bullets)
- 2-3 option comparison (brief table)
- New vs used recommendation with rationale
</output_format>