Computer Recording issues

[nescient]

Hello...

I have been lurking around here for some time now, and I believe this is one of my first posts.

I am curious about recording from my guitar directly to my computer. My guitar is an Alvarez AD60CK acoustic-electirc (uses the system 600T MKII pickup and electronics). I recently purchased a 1/4" to 1/8" adapter to plug my guitar directly into my computer, but have noticed the sound isn't "great" (It's decent, but doesn't have the clarity and punch that I want).

Now, on my amp, there is a headphone output. I am curious if I plug my guitar into my amp, and then purchase a cord with double male ends to go from my amplifier's headphone output to the computer microphone input, if the signal would be amplified enough for the sound to be enhanced on my computer.

I am not sure exactly what kind of sound card I have on my computer, which may well be the issue instead. I am trying not to purchase any major hardware, microphones, or programs (as I already have a decent program for recording). If any of you guys with more experience on this matter could enlighten me on my quandery, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks

[Kahn]

Im not sure if that would work. I think the only way to get better quality is purchasing a mic.

[mattinbeloit]

What kind of sound card do you have. A lot of it is going to depend on the program you are using to record and your soundcard if you are plugging your guitar in. I see your problem, you just havnt given us enough info. Find out about your soundcard and we can go from there.

[nescient]

the sound card is an Audio Tel C-Major Audio that came with my Dell laptop...i'm not sure if it's a good sound card to use or not...

the reason i was thinking about the amplifier output idea is because I wasn't sure if the pre-amp in the guitar was powerful enough to produce a strong signal to the computer, which is why it doesn't deliver that punch...but after reading a bit on the internet, i see that maybe some higher end computer programs might work well...i am currently recording through Nero (which I know isn't a great program) with their audio recording feature....however, i may have access to Adobe Audition, which may help.... hope that helps, but if you need any more info, let me know...

[Kahn]

Cool Edit is a great program as well

[eliot1171]

Cool Edit is a great program as well

CE is now called Adobe Audition, and yes it is a good program if you have access to it.

[nescient]

alright, sounds great...thanks a ton for your help fellas...