I notice a lot of questions about how to mic certain instruments and thought I'd give a helpful suggestion.
If you go to your local bookstore (the bigger the better), check out the magazine racks for "Mix" and "EQ" and the other big name publications. They always have interviews with big name producers and engineers about their latest (and sometimes classic) sessions. They almost give away priceless kernels of knowledge on how they're micing things and related info. Granted they use microphones and gear that we'll never even get to be in the same room with much less own, but it can give you great ideas on the technique of mic placement. For instance, I recently read an article with an engineer who always uses the same mic for kick drum and bass guitar. He claims that you get a tighter feel in the rhythm section by doing this. The article was accompanied by a breakdown of the mics he used and a diagram of his placement of the mics. Not a bad way to get pro-level info.