I'm not sure about other models,but if you have active EMG's then you should have less feedback problems...they are pretty quiet.

Having a noise gate is STILL a good idea even in the most naturally silent rigs.

A proper noise gate cancles out hum and noise while letting your notes ring out.If you set the 'threshold' too high,it can cut your notes off and not let them sustain well.

I can personally recommend the Boss NS-2 pedal here...
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=home/search/detail/base_pid/151331/