After reading about all the different mics and trying different things with different types of mics I finally purchased the SM57. My brother and I play together regularly and I like to record what we play. I was previously using a generic vocal mic to record with but there was always an annoying crunchy tone and blandness I couldn't get over. I would always have to tweak the amp or the actual recording to get a decent sound and remove some of the unwanted tone.  When the Shure SM57 arrived I set it up and adjusted my amp back to how I like it. After the first recording I was thrilled. The recording actually sounded like the sound coming from the amp. The mic only picks up the perfect tones while leaving the garbage behind. After moving the mic around a bit I actually have a near professional quality. The sound is crisp, clear, and I know what I'm recording as I'm playing. This mic beats out anything in the price range. Don't spend more for less.