tube screamer, baby. drive into the front of a JCM 800 or 900. if you are on a budget, i recommend steering clear of most solid state pedals, unless you are using them merely to increase the gain on a tube amp's input. rather, try out the tube based ones, for example, the VHT Valvulator.
to reduce the string noise, lower the distortion level, play cleanly, and add a compressor AND noise gate. check the andy sneap and steve smyth forums. they have great info on using EQ to reduce string noise and fatten the sound.