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Hi gurus - hoping for some tips on how to dial in a better tone. I've done a ton of playing around with combining overdrives and different amp/cab models, but I'm still not finding the sweet spot I'd like. I'm playing mostly in really detuned 6-strings, or even drop-A 7-string. I have a hard time finding something that's not muddy for low power chords, and/or not scratchy sounding on the high end. I'm playing through an older Crate amp (12", solid state) and through headphones - the latter exacerbates the problem, as they're good headphones that catch everything. I'm playing on a Fender Strat with Texas Special pickups, and on a Schecter 7-string with EMG 707 active pickups. I can dial out the muddiness but have a hard time not having hiss/scratch/static at the high end. I've tried Screamer, which sounds decent with headphones, and Line6 Distortion, which sounds good on the amp. But I'm new to combining overdrive with amp model overdrive, and dialing in EQ. However, often times Overdrives sound too weak, and distortions have too much high end garbage. Trying to find a nice middle ground. The folks I listen to seem to use MXR or similar Overdrives, plus amp drive. Just not sure about stuff like noise gate, compressor, EQ, and amp/cab models. Any recommendations? It's frustrating that I have really nice equipment and can't dial in something that sounds nice like on my favorite records :huh: What should I try? Can anyone share a patch setup with me? Thanks!!