Home recording equipment recommendations?

Hi,

I'm interested in recording myself playing piano, both for improving my playing and (eventually) for sharing with others on the internet to receive some constructive criticism. Can anyone recommend an inexpensive setup to do this that is good enough so that I will be satisfied with the results? I'm currently planning on recording to my portable MiniDisc player, but it only has line in and not microphone. So in addition to a microphone I learned I need a preamplifier. And I'm clueless about what type of microphone to buy. If anyone has done research for their own setup, I'd appreciate hearing about it.

Any suggestions would be appreciated, Chris Mejia

Dear Christopher, the use of microphones as: AKG C1000S (Known as the 'Swiss Army Knife' is recomended. Also Autralian types Rode: (written with the Swedish O - say Ö) types NT1, NT2 and NT3. We have very good experiences an we are satisfied. Mikes uses 48 volt phantom. For an amplifier you can look for 'Behringer' equipment with 48 volt phantom. German quality/China made/Good price. Total: about 600 Euro ($550

Howdy, Chris.

For recording, I use an Alesis QS-8 keyboard, a Radio Shack pre-amp, and Cakewalk Pro Audio 9.0. (With MIDI cable) It's probably not the cheapest setup, but everything has cost me less than $2000.

Best Wishes,

Geeee

All,

Thanks for all of your helpful suggestions. I agree with John below that what I want to do is record sound from my grand piano, not a MIDI keyboard. (Though I would've said it a little less harshly...) If Frank's setup suits his needs, that's great for him. I ended up buying a Shure PG57 and a dbx Mini-Pre preamp, for about $160 total US. I'm still experimenting with microphone placement and recording levels, etc., but this setup is definitely sufficient for my purpose of listening to myself critically and improving. Now I just need more time to practice!

Thanks to everyone for their input, Chris Mejia

I use a Sony MZ R37 MiniDisc recorder along with an Audio Technica AT-822 stereo condenser mic. The mic retails for about $279. I got mine on EBay for $150. The microphone has a MAJOR impact on the final sound. I was considering getting rid of my MiniDisc until I tried it with this mic.

I've had 4 friends buy this mic after they tried it out. When I edit the recordings in my computer using Sound Forge, the end result is a very professional sounding recording.

I'd be glad to send you a couple of short MP3s of live band recordings if you desire.