Dude, stay away from Epiphone specials, Yea, you should look more into amps and effects, although the Les paul is associated with heavy crunch, it is also associated with lounge jazz(or should be, as it is a LES PAUL signiture guitar). Also, if you are going to get a LP, dont go lower than an Epi Studio, but preferably an Epi Standard.

That heavy crunch sound also has alot to do with attack and your playing techinique.