TubeNet

i have decided that i should start recording myself to hear how i actually play, but i have no clue what sort of equipment i should buy that is decent quality and affordable enough for a high school student. what is out there?

You could try what I did and get a basic cassette recorder from Radio Shack. You'll easily be able to discern what sounds are the machine's fault and what are your own.

No, it's not a crystal-clear recording, and there's no way you should save it for a future "behind the scenes" section of a solo DVD. But, you will hear shifts in pulse, weird dynamic shaping, odd pitch bends, things like that.

Well, if you play like I was, anyway.

I don't have a cassette recorder and I didn't want to buy one so
Here's what I do:
http://audacity.sourceforge.net/ is a free sound recorder/editor that you can download to your computer.

Hook up a cheap mic to your computer and voila.

I am sure if I used a better mic I would get a better recording butit suits my purpose and it is better than a cassette recording. I also like the fact that I can look at the sound waves during playback and can sometimes actually see the problems which is helpful to a visual learner like myself.

Amy

i bought a boss 8 track recorder 2 years ago for approx. $500.

my rock band used it to demo tracks before going into the studio.

i must say that it has many great features to record anything but the processing and mixing specs. make laydown tuba tracks a pleasure.

i need a better microphone, something w/ a 20hz minimum. by shure sm57 nor does my sm58 pick up the low range the way i hear it.

anyone suggestions on mics??

is it possible for me to attach one of these Giant Squid microphones to any mp3 player with a line in?