Which one of these three low-budget microphones do you think would be best for recording electric guitars? (mostly clean)

SHURE SM57
SHURE BETA 57A
Blue Ball dynamic

Other suggestions at around the same price range would of course be welcome...

Thanks

The SM57 is probably the most popular guitar mic on the planet and works well in 9 out of 10 cases, but it is more often associated with distorted and crunchy guitar sounds. The Beta57A aint bad either. They are both very versatile and can be used on other sound sources too, such as vocals, brass and almost any drum sound conceivable. Unbeatable allrounders and good value for money. Another great mic for gutsy guitar sounds is the Sennheiser MD421, although that one is a bit more expensive, but it gives you a denser, warmer midrange. I have also tried quite a few condenser mics on electric guitar with good results: AKG C3000 or Audiotechnica AT4033 are two that spring to mind. They can warm up the sound. I think what's more important is where you put the mic on the amp, this can make a huge difference. The outside of the cone is warmer sounding whereas the centre of the cone is bitey. (Never used the Blue Ball myself, so no comment there...)

Start with the SM57 and go from there. It will almost always be the one you'll like the best. I've also had good results with a Sennheiser MD421 and the Electrovoice RE20.

DANO10

SM57 for sure, clean or crunchy it doesn't matter.

I think anyone who is at all serious about recording should have an SM57 in their arsenal for sure- there are just too many places where it is the best/obvious choice and it's usually the best place to start when recording guitar amps. Plus, you can always use it as a hammer if you need one in a pinch!

Avoid the blue ball, it's really not that great anyway.

The SM57 is definitely my recommendation. It's fairly inexpensive, and is the standard for instrumental live sound. We always have a bunch lying around for both instruments, amps, and directional vocal recording.