1 Rode NT2A ($399.00 to $425.00) Vocals mainly, with the ability to record other instruments for flavor, and even pull double duty along with the next two mics....

1 pair of  Rode NT5 ($429.00) Acoustic guitars, hand percussion, and other fun music makers, plus stereo miking abilities

1 SM57 ($89.00-$99.00) all kinds of guitar cabinets, plus certain brass and wind instruments

This list leaves you about 50 bucks for cables, tax, or shipping

For $1500.00, I would get the folowing:

1 Rode NT2A ($399.00 to $425.00)

1 ADK A-51 Vienna.  (249.00) Here we are beginning to acquire a different nuance in our LDC's. You could substitute this mic for another 250.00 mic of your choice, but the Vienna is tough to beat.  Period.

1 pair of  Rode NT5 ($429.00)

1 SM57 ($89.00-$99.00) 

1 Sennheiser MD421 (349.95) a classic for guitar cabs, and even (gasp) rock vocals! 

And between the NT5s, the '57, and the MD421, you are about halfway to being able to record a kit in the future, since the MD 421 is an amazing tom mic.

OK, so its a little beyond 1500 bucks.  Go mow some lawns or something

Starting a small home project studio and making listenable recordings is easy, but transitioning into the true professional ranks is another story.  If this is your goal, sonic skill wil be your best ally, but following right behind will be great front end hardware such as quality mics, preamps, and compressors

Plan well for the future.  Avoid cheap trendy mics that will someday gather dust in your mic locker, and even in the beginning, focus on mics that are an exceptional value from the beginning, and will still be usable even as you grow. 

Now go add to your collection!