[Does Anyone Use The Nashville Number System]

I makes it VERY easy to play any song in any key if that is what you are looking for.  I know of a lot of people that use it and I know of people that have never heard of it.  It is really quite simple to learn if you want to.

[Active Monitors - Please Advice]

Sorry, don't know anything about the one's he's recommended. I do own a set of KRK 6" though. Picked them up a little over 3 years ago....very pleased! Hopefully someone else will chime in here, sounds as if your friend has a lot of techincal knowledge about the one's he's recommending. Good luck!

Tom

I've been using the KRK's also

 

Sound great

[What Type Of Mic Would You Reccomend?]

You may want to consider a Studio Projects B1 also

Probably one of the better ones for the price. Great for vocals, acoustic guitar etc. Does require a preamp (48v power) but you won't be sorry.

This is for studio work NOT stage.

Costs about the same as the Shure SM-57 and/or 58 also.

BTW....We call the SM-57 a hammer mike because we have found it to be EXCELLENT for both applications!!!

[Need Advice]

Try taking the Shure SM57 and place it at the guitar neck (around the 12 fret or so) with a slight angle towards the sound hole.

That should get rid of the problem.

You may also want to look into something like a Studio Projects B1 CONDENSER microphone (about $110 on e-bay) if you are going to be recording an acoustic guitar and vocals. SM57 hammers (a roadie thing) are GREAT for micing amps, drums, etc but a condenser mic will give you a whole new experience in recording acoustic guitars and vocals correctly.

I suggest the B1 because it is about the same price of a new SM57 and it gets great results at that price. If you want to go crazy (and cost is not an issue - ha ha) I can make some other suggestions.

Hope this helps

DaveH