I've had a Yamaha MT-50 4-track tape recorder for quite a few years (they probably don't still make them, but there'll be an equivalent) - ideal for the sort of thing you've mentioned - along with a mic, mic stand, headphones, and maybe a jack lead or 2. With the one I have, you also need a phono lead to mix it down to an ordinary cassette (the MT-40 does use ordinary cassettes, but it records at double speed, and uses both sides to get all 4 tracks, so obviously you can't play the master tape on a normal tape player). That means you also need a normal tape recorder with a phono input. I would imagine you'd find 2 tracks too limiting - I'd go for a 4 track if I were you - you'd be surprised how versatile they can be. After all, Sgt Pepper was recorded using 4 tracks! I once recorded a version of Bohemian Rhapsody on my 4-track - 6 part vocals, drums, bass, piano, and 2 guitars. All done by bouncing. It wasn't quite up to the standard of Queen's original, though!
