The EMG HZs suck .. they are too sensitive for distorted playing and have unwanted noise . I had a Cort Z4 with HZ and note clarity was not just there .. Now I use real EMGs (81 and 89) and suddenly the sound is so much better and clean ... try changing the pickups of your guitar and you will notice the difference and yeah .. muting techniques have to be used .. .. For the amp .. I have a Vypyr 30W and it is awesome .. the sound is full .. dark .. with depth .. huge improvement over my Roland 15