Get the levels right at each stage of recording
Plugging straight in to your comp will work but it doesnt sound too good.
Get the levels right at each stage of recording
Whether you are using a pickup or a mike, try to use a preamp of some kind (an effects machine will work, a mixer is ok ) One studio in Bristol uses a 1950's valve amped tape recorder as a mike preamp!
Get the levels right at each stage of recording
Recording individual instruments in stereo improves the quality dramatically. Use two mikes if you've got them. Turn the sample rate up to 96.
Oh I nearly forgot...
Get the levels right at each stage of recording (Around, but never, ever exceeding, 0dB through every stage)