Microphone question

[refuge]

Those of you who know about this stuff, basically if you were buying a whole set up from scratch, within a realistic budget, what would you recommend.

I am interested in this, and would like to know what to aim for in terms of a number.  Neither of my guitars have pickups, so I would be recording direct to a mic, which I understand is the best sounding method anyway.

Forgive my ignorance on the topic.  I suspect that others might find your suggestions interesting too, however.

Thanks Ben for bringing up this topic. 
I too have been wondering about a basic recording set-up.  I think my playing would be greatly improved if I could hear it.  I am unfortunately totally ignorant about even the basics and jargon.  Does someone know a good web site/ link  that explains some of this?   I have a pretty good desktop computer but don't know what accessories I need to record to it.
Wendy

[unclrob]

I have all sorts of mic's.My recording set up is an older US made Mackie board into a just as old Allessi 8 track digitol tape unit,for effects which I use very little I have a Lexicon LX15 which I only use for its reverbs.In the acoustic duo we will use 57's and 58's and we can be 6 to 10 inches away and get a very nice tone.

[fongie]

I have all sorts of mic's.My recording set up is an older US made Mackie board into a just as old Allessi 8 track digitol tape unit,for effects which I use very little I have a Lexicon LX15 which I only use for its reverbs.In the acoustic duo we will use 57's and 58's and we can be 6 to 10 inches away and get a very nice tone.

Unclrob, what is your view on the differences between a SM58 and a Betta 58?
cheers
fongie

[unclrob]

I have tried the beta's but find them to be too hot and a bit steriol.Though I have a few condenser mic's my fav's are the 3 60's era ones I have but I do use the new one's alot.