So say you had a $1000 to start recording

[Elbutcho]

What would you get if all you had was a PC and guitar?

I haven't a clue on what I would need

[nakedzen]

Digital or not?

Yamaha THR10 + Equator D5 = $700

If not digital, Equator D5 monitors, Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 interface, sm57 = $650, only $350 left for amp and cab.

If you already have an amp and cab, use the $350 for a Golden Age Pre73 (MK2) or a Warm Audio WA12 (a bit over budget) to upgrade the preamps that are in the Scarlett. You'd run them like this: mic->mic preamp line out->scarlett line in (TRS jack, with the scarlett preamp turned down fully).

[madkeithv]

A POD HD500 connected with USB to the PC, and use the rest to get either very good headphones or a cheaper set of studio monitors to listen to what you're doing.

[ajaxlepinski]

Recording is a deep rabbit hole but, you can't beat having your own gear!

I just bought Pro Tools 10 with an Mbox Pro last February - it's great but, it has a learning curve.
Since Avid came out with PT 11, PT10 with the MboxPro is going for about $650.00.
The great thing about PTs is that you can record your tracks and go to just about any studio to tweak the mix, add drums, etc.
If you decide to get PT, this book is a MUST: http://www.amazon.com/Pro-Tools-10-Powe ... =pro+tools
You'll also need an external hard driver that runs at 7200 rpm. The PT software runs on your computer but, the recording goes on the external drive.
If you try to record on your computer, it starts chugging after laying down a few tracks.

Pro Tools comes with a lot of plug-ins: reverb, compression, synth programs, fx... but... make sure your computer has the required RAM and specs by visiting here: http://avid.force.com/pkb/articles/comp ... y/en353265

I've been working on basic tracks using headphones. By the time I'm ready to mix, I'll have some cash to buy monitors.
Get monitors with the widest frequency response - Mbox makes good ones: http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/MAudioBX8D2.html
These have a frequency response of 38-22K hz

Then, you'll want a keyboard controller to add drums, keyboards, effects, etc.
Here's the one I bought and I'm happy with it: http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Impulse61/

Good luck bro!!! Having your own recording gear will improve your songwriting skills immeasurably!!!

[nakedzen]

Oh yeah, get Reaper for software. Free indefinitely, but only $60 to register.

If you want to get it to look more "pro", get the White Tie Imperial theme, it's free as well.

For plugins, check my thread on gearslutz:
http://www.gearslutz.com/board/low-end-theory/733514-post-5-your-most-used-free-plugins.html

[frumiousbandersnatch]

Memo app on my phone and a $1000 hooker.

[ajaxlepinski]

Memo app on my phone and a $1000 hooker.

Crap! I could have had a hooker!

[racerevlon]

Reaper.
POD Studio UX1 with Collector's Classics expansion pack.
EZ Drummer.

Use the search function here or on RT--I remember someone posted about how to record entire songs with zero spend.

[Elbutcho]

Thanks guys..............I just purchased the POD Studio UX1 a week ago..............whats RT?

[nakedzen]

Thanks guys..............I just purchased the POD Studio UX1 a week ago..............whats RT?

http://www.rig-talk.com/forum/index.php

[Loins of Fire]

I think the Eleven rack/pro tools bundle for $700 and some $300 dollar monitors would have been the way to go.