Better Sustain and Tone?? What can I do?

[Sandman]

Can someone help me better understand what is involved in getting more sustain. Is it just a combination of the amp, settings, guitar, pickups, strings, everything? The reason I ask is that I dont have the greatest setup in the world but I think that it should be performing better than it is. I have an Epiphone SG Special with 2 humbuckers, and an Epiphone 10 watt amp. No matter what I have the amp set at I cant sustain a note for longer than about 5 seconds, especially on the higher stings. I have GHS Boomer strings. I did lower the action on my guitar about a month ago and that helped alot in giving me more sustain, getting the strings closer to the pickups I guess? Even anybody can give me some tips on how to increase the sustain and tone on my guitar I would really appreciate it.

[James]

You lowered the action and got better sustain? That's odd, usually it's the other way around (less sustain, more playability). Well you could always consider getting a box. The Ibanez tubescreamer is great for adding nearly infinite sustain but not changing your tone. Other then that I'd just suggest cranking up that amp to its full potential. I don't know much about epiphone amps so I can't comment on the kind of sustain they give.

[Raskolnikov]

Musician's Friend sells these brass or steel blocks that clamp onto your headstock that should help a bit. A box is a good place to start though. You may also check out an e-bow, but that won't help you out much in your normal day to day playing (unless you're into the smashing pumpkins).

[James]

Oh yeah, I know what you're talking about Ras... Fat Fingers... basically things you clamp onto the headstock to add more mass thus more sustain. Never tried them by they sound cool.