Dien,

You use a cheap tape recorder but I wouldn't suggest it. You want your master recording to be the best it can be. (and no you don't need music)

If you want to take it to the next level, I also highly suggest a Minidisc.

A minidisc gives very high quality sound that is recorded on reusable "mini cds." One of the big advantages is that you eliminate the noise you often get with tape such as "wow" and "hiss." Also in theory the minidisc recordings should last forever where as audio tape wears out a little each time it's played. Mine is a Sharp MD-SR60. I've seen them as low as $115.

If you want to stick to tape then I suggest a Marantz 201 PMD becuase it perfect to use when taping telephone interviews. The phone line plugs right into the tape recorder so it eliminates the hum I used to get when going through a phone interface. You can get a good deal on them from CAM audio in Texas. They cost about $300 (savings of $100) 1-800-527-3458. They'll send a catalog.

Finally if looking for cool microphones at good prices then check out this site:

http://www.microphonemadness.com/

Hope this helps,

Ron