bbÄ>   That's why after 11 years in the live biz, my favorite
bbÄ>saying is:
bbÄ>
bbÄ>   "A great Fluke meter is cheaper than the worst piece of
bbÄ>gear in the rig!"
I agree 110% with your whole message, except this one.  Have you checked 
prices on a Fluke multimeter lately?  It's an incredible coincidence that you 
quoted this saying, since I just had to decide between buying a new Fluke 
8000 series meter, and an EQ.  After pricing the Fluke, I went directly to 
the music store and got an Alesis MEQ.   :)
All in all though, I agree.  A good multimeter is a necessity.
--- (:*>
---------------