Micing guitar amp... on budget

[PseudoComplexity]

Hey guys, I really need an experienced opinion here. After two months of teaching myself sound engineering and experimenting with a simple SM57 and a "starved plate" preamp, I'm still wildly curious about how the guitar should sound in raw form (that is, when just recorded) to suffice for further mixing and mastering.

Here is a couple of examples (all dry) recorded using same amp settings (tube gain 70%, volume 1/10), mic position and guitar. Obviously all this needs some EQing and other enhancement, but nonetheless, would you do tracking with such quality, were you in my place? All advice very welcome. Thanks a heap!

P.S. Brandon, if you are reading this, congratz on getting the site running again. I told you it was (and it will be) a hell of a recording forum!

[brandondrury]

These tones are both very usable for something, but obviously not everything. The second clip has a ton of gain, but I could see it being useful for really raw punk.

As for the "quality" I think are in good shape. Use 'em. The mic placement seems okay to me.

Obviously all this needs some EQing and other enhancement

Why? What kinds of "other" enhancements?

[PseudoComplexity]

Thanks for your reply, Brandon. I'll go on with it then.

Originally Posted by brandondrury

Why? What kinds of "other" enhancements?

A couple of really thick blankets to cover the amp That room reverb is enough to drive one mad...
Also, mic positioning turns out to be quite a pain at times. For ex, the first posted sample sounds really dry, but after I messed with the 57 for a little while (same amp settings):