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This shopping list isn't just for singer-songwriters of the angst-ridden variety. We've aimed it at any musician that wants to capture their warbling, strumming and ivory-tinkling in all its glory.

Experienced piano players will feel constricted by the two-octave keyboard we recommend opposite, so here we've gone for the four-octave M-Audio Keystation 49e. Models with five octaves and the full 88 notes are available in the same range for £108 and £144 respectively, while the Keystation Pro 88 has weighted, hammer-action keys and costs £283. Unlike a two-octave keyboard, these won't balance comfortably on your lap, so we've also included a keyboard stand.

These controller keyboards don't have any sounds built in and send MIDI data to the PC via their integrated USB interfaces, which keeps the cost down. You'll need sounds to come from somewhere, though, which is why we've included Cakewalk Studio Instruments (What's New, Shopper November 2007). This set of VST instruments covers all the essentials to fill out a simple vocal and guitar part into a full song. If you have no interest in keyboards, remove the keyboard, stand and software from your shopping list and save £103.

Tapco's Link.USB (What's New, Shopper April 2007) is an excellent audio interface with its efficient ASIO drivers, excellent audio quality, two microphone pre-amps with phantom power and a bundled copy of Mackie Tracktion 2. We reviewed version 3 of this excellent music-production software last month, and although the copy included here lacks the bundled extras, its friendly yet uncompromising approach is perfect for recording live performances.

Most acoustic instruments benefit tremendously from being recorded in stereo, giving a richer, more spacious sound. The only exceptions are instruments whose sound emits from a single point, such as the voice and brass. We have therefore chosen a pair of microphones.

Samson's C01s are great-value condenser mics that are well suited to most tasks except for close-miking very loud instruments. However, the elastic suspension cradles to reduce rumbles travelling through the stand cost £25 extra - you may or may not find them a necessary additional expense. The Brenell Microphone Plus Pack available from www.turnkey.co.uk combines an XLR cable, mic stand and pop shield and costs just £20 each.

Because this sort of music isn't so reliant on deep bass, we have clawed back some of the budget by going for compact monitor speakers. However, we would still recommend Alesis' M1 Active Mk2 if your budget can stretch that far.

	1 The Tapco Link.USB includes top-quality hardware and software for solo performers.