First off...Welcome to the forum Dave. Mine has gone the digital way, Samick AV6 into an Alesis firewire interface, thru Guitar rig 1{a software app} on the 'ol PC, sent out to Event B.A.S. powered monitors...no amp, no stomp box's, and record thru another app called Adobe Audition. Can't take it out very easy to play somewhere, but then at my skill level...that's a blessing to others{lol}. Sorry I can't offer any tips on upgrading, figure that's a personal desire kinda thing, Everybody has their own idea's and want's but maybe once again I'm wrong
........enjoy