One of their most significant features is that these amps can also serve as mini PA systems, handling a vocal mic in addition to the guitar. The amps are getting better and better, and the real issue is whether the components and cabinets can keep getting smaller without making the amps sound like they're designed for ukuleles. Under-saddle technology is hard to beat as far as complete frequency response and immunity from feedback go. I think that internal mics will be a thing of the past by 2010 and that both top-sensitive and magnetic pickups will be specialty items. Meanwhile, the issue of getting good acoustic sound on stage and in fairly loud band situations is virtually solved.
Tone is the big issue.
Just wait until Acoustic Guitar 's 20th anniversary. Excerpted from Acoustic Guitar magazine's Tenth Anniversary issue, July 2000, No. 91 . That issue features an extensive collection of stories, essays, and articles about the artists, trends, guitars, gear, and music that defined the 1990s.