So, just back from first rehearsal since deciding to give this a go - and not too bad. Only got stuck in once and caught myself doing it so backed straight off again. Drummer thought I may have been just a touch too loud, but said feel and sound was fine, guitarist thought that the sound had more clarity (only using rehearsal studio's H&K combo), and to his ears, a less compressed sound.
Going to chalk this one up as a success, but the real test will be when adrenaline kicks in at a gig!