Hi Zak ..there are many other folk on this site more qualified than I to answer this query .But I can tell you what works for me

I have a Marshall Bluesbreaker II pedal......which has two settings ...
1) Blues....for a nice crunch break up and
2) the other  is just a boost .so you can increase your volume quite substantially. when you want to solo

works for me

Last edited by Strummer07 (Fri, 12 Mar 2010 19:06:54)

These days I mainly play a '72 SG through a Blues Jnr (mic'd thru FOH) and use a Boss ME50 effects unit to control volume levels for solos (via volume pedal) but when we have a Sound Engineer for larger gigs rely on him to ride the faders for FOH mix. I do sometimes have problems getting the pedal back to the correct level once solo is completed so it is a bit touch and go at times.

Alternatively, will also use one of the overdrive settings on the ME50 to provide tone to cut thru mix, this is my preferred option for smaller gigs (same effect as using  Bluesbeaker pedal as mentioned prev).

Best option IMO, is if you are mic'ing amps thru FOH is to get your tone right and rely on the person working the sound desk to get the level right for the mix and to provide adequate monitor / foldback levels. This does take a considerable amount of trust but works well when you have the right person on the job. 

You don't need a volume pedal -- this stompbox gives you a sound like this (it's a nice effect used by Dave Gilmour for example):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jZFuZxk9_A

You need a booster.. a really good one (but expensive) is the Exotic RC Booster. A cheaper one is made by Electro Harmonix.. if you can solder you may build your own booster, it's an easy effect to buid, like this one: http://www.muzique.com/schem/mosfet.htm