Like you said, find the tone that works best for the song. Without knowing what the songs sound like, I really couldn't make a good judgment in the poll.
However, make sure when you're recording that you're not scooping the mids! The mids are where the guitar is heard...to take them out makes audible static and little else. Also, for recording, pull back on the distortion (especially if you're doubling parts).
I'm running an
ADA MP1 for most of my stuff, and usually double it with a POD or Marshall....For the tone I like, there is some bottom (around 6), mides (4), high 6, presence (10). It may also make a huge difference where you're miking...get right on the cone for the brightest tone (though you may want to aim the mic just off center) and the further away from the cone to the edge of the speaker, the more 'bass' you will have. I personally like the 'cone tone' for what I'm doing.
Don't worry about playing with all the effects...and if at all possible, add them after the track is laid!
er....ok...hope that helps
