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You can make interesting music without knowing anything about the instrument you're using. A group like Throbbing Gristle is an exceptional example, and while the Throbbing Gristles of the world are very very few, it does happen on occasion. Eno as well.
Over time, you are bound to wind up knowing "something" about your instrument just by immersion, and hopefully become more proficient, if even just in your own narrow application.
I do think people can make better "avant garde" music if they know what they're doing to begin with, just because they will have a wider array of techniques to draw from. Plus, you have a much wider range of expression at your fingertips if you get to know your instrument.
Me:
Saxophone, 7 years many years ago. I kind of hate the instrument now (aside from Jazz), but I was in the senior band as a freshman and had an affinity for it.
Guitar: 26 years. I think I'm pretty decent, but no virtuoso.
Other string instruments, I dabble.
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