Hey GB, you need to tweak your sounds at stage volume (I did all my MP1 patches at rehearsal and at gigs, I started with the #1 marshall patch but then ran the rest up from scratch). Start with the #1 marshall patch and move it some where free then modify it until you're happy (when to say stop is the hard part
). Pick a bank (I use 11) and run up 10 sounds there (eg 110 clean, 111 clean louder, 112 main rhythm, 113 main rhythm louder effect change (on other midi rack thing), .....114-119 lead sound/master vol/effects combinations). The Paul Gilbert and Nuno patches should help as staring points that work loud. I'm not familiar with the VHT either but generally turn you power amp up to at least 3/4s (or full) and adjust the MP1 output volume to suit (much like a PA).
Questions: are you running in stereo with either 2 cabs or a stereo cab (improves your sound instantly) ? I also turn the chorus depth to 100 with the rate 0.0 which adds a nice fattening (very short (ie chorus) delay) in stereo (if your not wanting chorus on that patch obviously). What tubes are in your MP1 ? how old are they. The original MP1 tubes were Chinese bottles (and not too shabby), Boogie STR 12AX7s work great in an MP1 and have lovely feedback and very low noise (order some from Pro Audio or Better Music both here in Canberra, Pro Audio is the Boogie distributor in Oz). For the 80s hair cut sounds I find the MP2 better (but this is a very subjective area
), the patches I posted for the MP2 are stage volume patches, my old main rhythm will suit the style you're playing but needs the NR (gate) or it squeals when you're not playing. Give me a ring on the numbers I PM'd you so I can cover more ground with you.