Hey FingerSpasm, try a different approach - play with a tone that you like (helps you to play better) and forget about how it sits in the mix. Record the solo, THEN tweak it to sit in the mix using EQ and dynamics.

I use a really great dynamics VST called Cyanide that you can download for free:
http://www.kvraudio.com/get/1374.html

I use the generic EQ in Cubase SX3 but you should be able to find a load of free VST's online that could help. You can also add serious punch to solos using compression...
Here are some more excellent free plugins -
http://www.kjaerhusaudio.com/classic-series.php

Hope that helps!