I've been thinking what makes a great musician. Once we all get beyond a certain level of technical skills, what is it that makes someone outstanding?

Interpretation can be attributed to one's education
Sound - to the instrument

So what is it that makes one THE one? Lots of musicians are educated and can afford expensive instruments...

I disagree with you about the fact that sound should depend on the instrument. It's like my teacher says: "You don't have to buy an expensive instrument when you can't get a good sound out of an intermediate one."

I can say that last year my tone on my clarinet was as average as most clarinet student in my school. But this year I learned a lot about listening to myself and trying till you get the right sound. I only played two pieces during clarinet lessons this year, but my sound quality improved more than over the last 9 years I'd been playing.

So not only technique, but also working on tone quality makes a great musician.

ok, that's true but I meant that many people can learn how to sound good. As is the case with flute: the rule there is to open up, and it's no big deal.

what is that extra that only the select few have? On top of tone etc.

I just think dedication and the love of music makes any musician great. But, of course, tone is important, too...

I believe it takes passion.
No passion no music.
Too many musicians are really dead on the inside, and that is what saddens (is that a word??) me the most.

i completely agree. it takes PASSION.