If you are just starting out I'd go the way of the self contained DAW.

I’ve just got a second hand Korg D1200 which I use as a front end to my recording set up. I paid 600 USD on eBay and it is a lovely bit of kit, it is portable and self-contained and contains all the effects (amp simulators, compression, reverb etc) you need to do a really good job. You can upgrade as much as you like at a later date and it contains lots of nice sounding presets.

The computer is a great tool though id not start with it ! Test the water before spending mega bucks.

For more info on the D1200 check out http://www.korgboards.com it is a really cool place !

Hint recording guitars direct is definatly the way foward, teh D1200 has a dedicated guitar input which means you can bypas amps totally...great for recording at 3.00 am

For an upgrade check out thr line6 pods, Im using a pod pro conected via an S/PDIF output (which byapsses the pres in the korg) It sounds great !


[Edited by Dr_simon on 07-31-2003 at 10:06 AM]