Ibanez B200 Banjo Review (2023) – Amazing 5-String Banjo!

Ibanez B200 5-String Banjo

Ibanez B200 Banjo Review - Picture in the box

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
  • Beautiful and elegant model.
  • Durable construction.
  • Excellent aesthetics.

Ibanez B200 Banjo Review (5-string Banjo)

Among the unique and striking banjos produced by the Ibanez manufacturer is the B200 banjo. The late legend Earl Scruggs collaborated with Ibanez on signature banjo models, and Ibanez is a highly respected banjo manufacturer.

Ibanez logo

As proof that Ibanez was back in the banjo business on a large scale, they launched the Ibanez B200 Banjo. From the outside, the Ibanez B200 Banjo appears to be made of the same materials as many vintage banjos.

The tree of life inlay on the fretboard and the pearl headstock with the original tuners distinguish this Ibanez B200 Banjo from the others. Every other element is made to resemble the late 70s, the golden era of iconic banjo artists like Earl Scruggs.

In order to bring you closer to this instrument we made this Ibanez B200 Banjo Review.

Ibanez B200 Banjo
Features:

  • Poplar block ring.
  • Resonator: Sapele, laminated.
  • Neck: Mahogany.
  • Fretboard: Purpleheart (Peltogyne spp.)
  • Nut width: 32 mm.

  • Bridge: Maple / Purpleheart.
  • Rolled tone ring.
  • Remo 11″ Coated Weatherking head.
  • B200 Special fretboard inlays.
  • Chrome friction machine heads.
  • Colour: Natural high gloss.

Ibanez B200 Banjo – Build Quality

With a shiny body and impressive finish, the Ibanez B200 banjo looks pretty stylish. A magnificent piece of art, it is decorated with silver linings, designs, and a glossy black body. Since it has both excellent sound and good looks, this is the perfect banjo for stage performances.

Ibanez B200 Banjo - The Instrument

In order to build the banjo, a basswood block rim was used, which is renowned for its strength and durability. The basswood block rim has a waterproof coating that repels unwanted insects or parasites that could compromise its superior sound.

This guitar’s shape fits in the hand perfectly, with the inlay fingerboard showing the beauty of the tree of life design.

This is as if to convey the greatness of Ibanez in designing string instruments, such as shred-tastic guitars. The palm rest and neck and headstock inlays on the Ibanez guitar are well-scrolled and artistically done.

Ibanez B200 Banjo features a double coordinator rod that keeps the neck firm at all times. The head features a Remo Weatherking 11-inch head, steel circle tension w/24 piece bracket, and Chrome Banjo Tuner.

The Ibanez B200 Banjo’s steel circle really adds to its 12-pound weight. It is recommended that beginners play the Ibanez B200 banjo on their laps while sitting. This is because it is quite tiring to play this banjo for a long period of time.

Ibanez B200 Banjo - Sound Box - Strings Kings1

A shiny finish dominates this banjo, as does the design on the fingerboard and headstock inlays. The steel circle around the Remo weatherking head makes the Ibanez B200 Banjo look very elegant and expensive.

The Sound of Ibanez B200 Banjo

The Ibanez B200 Banjo produces a very rich sound. This instrument sounds very satisfying to the listener because it combines the Basswood Rim with the Mahogany resonator, the Brass Tone Ring, and the Remo Weatherking head.

There are only 22 frets on the Ibanez B200 banjo’s mahogany neck, making it easier for beginners to master. Because Ibanez uses friction tuners, there is a greater possibility of your fifth string getting out of tune when playing the B200 banjo.

Ibanez B200 Banjo Neck

The friction tuner’s nut material does not withstand fast-paced play. You need to treat and lubricate the friction pegs frequently. The Ibanez B200 Banjo resonator can’t be released, so it’s surprisingly loud. While the sound produced by the Ibanez B200 Banjo is quite good and loud, tuning it may be a bit tricky unless you have a professional banjo player or music shop do it for you.


In this video you can hear the sound and learn more about Ibanez B200 Banjo:


Is Ibanez B200 Banjo worth your money?

The closed back of the Ibanez B200 is another significant feature. The finest banjos have closed backs with resonators that resonate with the instrument’s sound.

It is also possible to remove this closed back and replace it with another resonator. A wide range of customization options is available to the user. Changing the resonator on a banjo allows the player to produce different sounds.

Lastly, the Ibanez B200 banjo is a top-tier banjo made with premium materials. This banjo can be purchased for an affordable price. This banjo comes at an affordable price given its features.


9.5Expert Score
Ibanez B200 5-String Banjo

A five-string banjo that features a natural color that blends with the environment!

Features
9.2
Sound
9.4
Design
9.6
Price To Value
9.8
Pros
  • Beautiful and elegant model.
  • The sound is produced by a loud resonator.
  • Using a double coordinator rod.
Cons
  • A bit heavy instrument.

Last Words

We hope that our Ibanez B200 banjo review is going to give you the necessary information about this instrument and will help you decide if this banjo is a good option for you and your playing style.

Happy Strumming!

Felix Sanchez

Felix Sanchez

Felix Sanchez specializes in string instruments and their use in contemporary music. Felix is passionate about music and has studied and played a variety of string instruments including guitars, ukuleles, and cellos.

Strings Kings
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