My usual setup is Tele-MXR EQ-Wah-TS7(or BD2)-amp. I find it handles everything really well, I don't find tone changes at all when I have my effects on.
I recommend keeping the stock 6L6 tubes in, I changed mine just to see and I don't like the sound as much.
When playing rythm with drive, I would recommend using the "more drive" channel, even if you turn the drive down, it still sounds better than regular drive.
Electric Guitars are the inspiration for cries of "Turn that damn thing down"-Gibson website