The 1999 Winter NAMM show saw the debut of Ibanez' new line of MASA90 acoustic-electrics which feature an all new magnetic soundhole pickup design.
Magnetic pickups are warmer, but they often lacked clarity.
And the balance was never right between the outputs of the wound and unwound strings. But the other important differences are the slimmer necks and non-traditional appearance. These aren't traditional acoustics. MASA90 guitars are acoustic guitars designed for the electric rock and roller. I Need to Get Control.