I was in your situation a year or so ago. I used the minidisc and "mixed" using Cool Edit on the computer. Like you, I was mostly doing it for fun and figured I'd be able to exchange a few CD's with other folksingers, give them away, etc. But now I package them up and they sell very well at my gigs. Our local Borders also stocks them. Nobody has ever complained or noticed that they were "homemade" - indeed I've received nothing but good feedback. I experimented with a Tascam tape recorder but I think you'd be better off going digital. The sound is so much clearer. The minidisc worked fine for me - just singing and guitar, but there are other options if you need more bells and whistles.