Crate Palomino Clean Channel?

[LooseString]

So I've owned a Crate Palomino v30 for about two years and, despite the company who makes them, it's a great amp. Great tone, more than loud enough, decent reverb. But my one complaint is that it is literally IMPOSSIBLE to get a clean tone out of that amp because the gain has to be on in order for it to make any sound, thus producing a notable amount of gain when cranked up, even when the gain switch is at 0.5.

So my question is, does anyone know a way to install a clean channel (if you will) into the Palomino? Or, for that matter, a way to cancel the gain out while still maintaining the ability to crank it up? And would simply buying a new amp be cheaper?

[downstemmed]

You could try plugging your guitar, directly into the "FX Return." You'll have no tonal controls, because it bypasses the preamp and goes directly through the power amp. The only potentiometer that'll work is the volume knob.

[overdrivenel34s]

Lower gain preamp tubes (ie like 12AT7, 12AY7)would probably help improve the clean headroom. Not sure what would work best though.

I have a palomino 16 but only mod i did was replace the speaker to a wgs green beret which really made it sound way better in terms in clearing up the low end response and taming the shrill high end response. I have not had issues with getting clean tone at levels that i use that amp for. If i did i would get some lower gain preamp tubes as 1st attempt to address. Now for my on this amp by clean i don't mean pristine clean as i like a how this amp sounds slightly driven. I can roll back volume to clean up more if needed. Clean boost as last pedal front for volume solo boost (which also adds some drive since its pushing front end tubes). drive pedals for overdriven tones(right now been using amt o-drive and p drive pedals).