If you have a good sounding room, IŽd suggest to record every instrument in stereo. Even those that you usually would think about recording in stereo (Guitars etc.).
But before you do that, think about where you want to put those instruments later in the mix and record them accordingly. ThatŽll give you lots more depth and a very good stereo imaging (better than any panpot).
For a perfect demonstration of depth and stereo imaging listen to the recordings of George Massenburg - a very good example would be the "warm your heart" album by Aaron Neville.
Cheers,
Bill