I want to get something so I can record myself practising and gigging. I don't need super duper quality - it wouldn't be for making CDs, just for self-analysis.

if quality doesnt matter at all, even an earphone can be used as a makeshift mic. just try out both sides before you start to find out which one will take the input.

All you would need to is to insert the earphone jack into the mic slot instead of the headphone slot.

note: It will only provide the amount of quality you would get from a VERY cheap mic, but as you are using something designed for output as an input device, it is understandable.

Well I think a PC is the best option for recording yourself. Goldwave or something similar can be had for cheap or free .

As for a mic This one is a great medium level microphone. Good enough quality to not get discouraged, and even enough to show off to people. Won't break the bank though.

If you want a stand alone on the go device, there are lots of complex little 4 tracks from the likes of zoom and tascam, but they get complicated. I find all stand alone recording devices awkward and unintuitive. PC is the best IMO. I have made some cool stuff with my zoom 4 track though, just can be a pain.

what equipment do you have now?

if you have some form of amp modelling unit with cabinet modelling you can use it for direct recording.. line out on the unit to the line in on your soundcard

Oh ****, I just noticed the gigging part. For recording yourself practicing, PC is the way to go, but you probably just want push and record for recording gigs. Unless you have all your **** hooked up to a PA that you can line out to something, you probably want something like this.

If you do decide to spend a little money, everyone loves the Shure SM58.

I don't have any gear right now. That looks like it's right up my alley, Spook.

http://www.rolandus.com/products/productdetails.aspx?ObjectId=753

honestly? that could work too. the mics on this baby are really sweet.

Sure beta58 FTMFW. Thats what we use for vocals and sometimes micing amps.

Blue snowflake/snowball

http://www.google.com/products?q=blue+snowflake+mic&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=X&oi=product_result_group&resnum=1&ct=title

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=blue+snowball+mic&btnG=Search+Products&show=dd&cid=5423489845486729536

That BOSS would be great especially if you eventually want to step up to making demos with it. A bit complex for what you want, but again, you can take that places.

And guys, he doesn't just need a microphone, he needs a recording device.

If I remember correctly, Tracer's a jazz guitarist in which case he'd be better with the SM57 [beta :D], the 58 is a vocal mic.