Home » Music » Ibanez B200 vs B300 – ALL Differences (Is It Even Worth The Upgrade?)

Ibanez B200 vs B300 – ALL Differences (Is It Even Worth The Upgrade?)

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Before we dive into a detailed comparison, here’s a quick look:

FeaturesIbanez B200Ibanez B300
Fret2222
Weight13 lbs.14  lbs.
Size26.3 inches48 inches
Strings55

Ibanez B200

Ibanez unveiled the B200, a five-string closed-back banjo variant, in late 2013. It’s Chinese-made.

The B200 has a wood overlay soundboard with multi-binding, a clean elevated glossy polish, and a basswood wedge rim.

It boasts a 22-fret rosewood neck with bindings and unique pearl grapevine embellishments, a wood body with two coordinating rods, and a hardwood body.

There is a matching vine inlay on the Head. Two-piece flanges folded copper pitch ring, iron suspension hoops with 24-piece mount, 11″ Remo body, purpleheart saddles in mahogany and maple bridge, clamshell tailpiece, and acrylic nuts.

Some of the other parts include engraved bronze armrests and chrome contact adjusting machinery with acrylic buttons.

Ibanez B300

The B300 is probably the priciest and the most coveted model in the Ibanez line. It has the conventional build, look, and sound and is reasonably priced at $499.

Its 22-fret fingerboard, five-string design, and unique fingerboard and palm resting designs are just a few of its standout characteristics. 

This intermediate-level banjo has a rosewood resonant, a wedge rim crafted of basswood, and a conventional head. The structure is covered by a common metal ring and has a traditional bridge unit on top. 

Dovetail joints and a finely curved appearance are included with the neck. Its top features a 22-fret rosewood fretboard and is constructed of hardwood.

Morgan Monroe Mmnb1-w vs Ibanez B300

Morgan Monroe Mmmb1

The three-layered rim, notched tension hoop, and resonators, among other features, make for a very sturdy bluegrass banjo, and the rolled brass tone ring keeps the weight down while enhancing the brightness and projection of the tone. 

Because it will work well for you into your intermediate playing stages, this is an excellent alternative for anyone looking to get into bluegrass. It’s also a great option for professional-level musicians looking for a less-weight banjo.

Features

  • 24 brackets
  • Mahogany resonator
  • Three-ply maple rim (layered, not rolled)
  • A mahogany neck
  • Rosewood fretboard
  • Head: Remo Frosted Weatherking 11″ High Crown
  • Rolled Brass Tone Ring
  • Hoop for Tension: Notched
  • Fret Markers: Hearts and Flowers Nut: Bone 1 3/16″
  • Black overlay/floral inlay on the peghead
  • Ashton Bailey planetary tuners
  • Length of scale: 27 ½
  • Armrest: Engraved chrome
  • Glossy high-quality

Ibanez B300

Ibanez’s brand-new banjo. The brand-new B300 banjo is a conventional five-string instrument perfect for bluegrass. Its intricate fretboard inlay, which is very stunning, quickly stands out. 

Its high-gloss mahogany bowl, steel tension hoop with a 24-piece bracket, and many other exquisite fittings indicate a wonderful value. 

This is the perfect instrument for a talented beginning, an advanced student looking to upgrade from a beginning banjo, or a string player looking to gain proficiency on a different instrument. This banjo is ideal in a variety of circumstances.

Features

  • Resonator made of rosewood with abalone inlays
  • Rim in basswood
  • Rolled Tone Ring in Brass
  • Remo Weatherking Head, 11″ Coated
  • 24 Piece Bracket and Stell Tension Hoop
  • Wooden Bowl
  • Pearl Headstock and Fretboard Inlays
  • Banjo tuners are made of a chrome coordinator rod with a dual coordinator design and pearl inlays on the headstock

Ibanez Banjo B200 vs. Recording King RK-R20

Ibanez Banjo B200

Ibanez hasn’t been in the banjo business for thirty years, but with the B200, they’re back and better than ever.

Old-timers may remember that Ibanez was particularly fond of making banjos and even worked with the late great Earl Scruggs to create an artist’s signature model.

At a price that won’t break the bank, you can buy a lovely 5-string closed-back banjo with the Ibanez B200. It has a mahogany resonator, rolled brass tone ring, and a basswood rim with 24 lugs. 

Mother-of-pearl inlays are on the rosewood fingerboard of the mahogany neck. Chrome banjo tuners maintain tuning while adding a vintage touch.

Features

  • Double coordinator rod
  • Rim: Block made of basswood
  • Mahogany resonator
  • A mahogany neck
  • Rosewood fretboard
  • Binding for resonators: ABS-Multi
  • Block inlay of acrylic pearls
  • Friction banjo tuner for tuning instruments
  • There are 22 frets
  • Chrome with engraving on the armrest
  • Rosewood and maple are used for the bridge.
  • Clamshell tailpiece made of chrome.
  • Glossy rim finish
  • Glossy finish for the resonator

Recording King RK- R20

I typically advise beginning here for people wishing to spend as little money as possible yet still acquire a decent quality 5-string resonator bluegrass banjo.

Its rolled brass hoop produces a pleasing, clear tone while drastically lightening the banjo. It is a fantastic option for someone looking for a less-weight banjo because of this as well.

Features

  • Several Ply Rim
  • Hazelnut Neck
  • hardwood resonator
  • Tension Hoop with 24 Bracket Notches
  • Fretboard Ovangkol
  • Flowers & Hearts Fretboard Inlay
  • Plant Inlay
  • Hardware Plated in Nickel
  • 26-1/4 “Sizing Length
  • Glossy Surface
  • Ebony/Maple Bridge
  • 11-inch Head with a 7/16″ height
  • Frets: 22
  • Weight 10.45 pounds

Are Ibanez banjos any good?

The value of a nice banjo to a collector will vary depending on the collector’s interests. For instance, a collector who enjoys traditional bluegrass music could value the instrument’s sound quality more.

In contrast, a collector interested in the banjo’s history might place a higher value on the banjo’s age and rarity.

Depending on the collector’s intentions, the value of a nice banjo may change. For some people, having an instrument with a lengthy history or one that is uncommon and hard to find may be significant.

Others might place greater value on having a playable or in excellent condition instrument.

The playability of an Ibanez banjo varies depending on the model. Most Ibanez banjos have a Remo drum head, and all feature a mahogany neck and resonator.

Ibanez provides a mahogany neck and resonator with a Remo Weather King head in addition to the more expensive models’ rosewood neck and resonator with Remo Ambassador head.

Since Ibanez is a reputable name in the music business, you can be confident that their banjos are of the highest caliber.

Additionally, these banjos are renowned for producing a loud, distinct sound that is excellent for bluegrass and other music genres.

Ibanez provides a mahogany neck and resonator with a Remo Weather King head in addition to the more expensive models’ rosewood neck and resonator with Remo Ambassador head.

Because Ibanez is a reputable name in the music business, you can be confident that their banjos are of a high caliber.

Ibanez banjo b300 vs b200

A Rosewood Resonator-equipped Banjo with a Great Sound

The Ibanez B300 5-string banjo is a relic of a simpler time before innumerable hair bands established Ibanez as a leading manufacturer of metal instruments.

Yes, the late, great Earl Scruggs worked with Ibanez to create a signature model for the company, a highly regarded banjos maker. 

Ibanez has reentered the banjo market. The B300 has a tone-rich rosewood resonator, a rolled tone ring, and a basswood block rim.

Ibanez’s extensive experience creating shred-tactic guitars is also evident in the smooth-playing neck’s unique acrylic fingerboard inlay.

Features Of The Ibanez B300 5-String Banjo Briefly

  • Beautiful and musical, the rosewood resonator with abalone purfling is made of.
  • The rim made of basswood improves your tone.
  • A voice with rolled tones has a particular quality.
  • The Head is held in place by a 24-piece bracket made of steel.
  • Highly playable mahogany neck
  • An inlay is made of special acrylic for a striking effect.
  • Banjo head, lacquered Remo 11″ Weatherking
  • You maintain tuning with chrome friction tuners.

Ibanez b200 banjo

Ibanez hasn’t produced a banjo in thirty years, but they’re back with the B200 and better than ever.

Old-timers would recall that Ibanez had a special affinity for creating banjos and even collaborated with the late great Earl Scruggs to develop a model that bore his signature.

With the Ibanez B200, you can get a gorgeous 5-string closed-back banjo for a cost that won’t break the bank. It has a basswood rim with 24 lugs, a rolled brass tone ring, and a mahogany resonator. 

The rosewood fingerboard of the mahogany neck has mother-of-pearl inlays. Banjo tuners of chrome keep the instrument in tune and offer an antique feel.

Features

The type of banjo is a 5-string banjo.

  • Two-coordinate rods
  • Rim: A basswood block.
  • Mahogany sound system
  • Mahogany neck
  • Fretboard made of rosewood
  • ABS-Multi binding for resonators
  • Pearl acrylic block inlay
  • Instrument tuning with friction banjos
  • 22 frets are included.
  • Chrome armrests with engraved
  • The bridge is made of rosewood and maple.
  • Chrome tailpiece shaped like a clamshell.
  • A shiny rim finish
  • A glossy resonator finish
  • Glossy neck back finish

Best Ibanez Bass for The Money

Ibanez SR300E

Almost thirty years have gone by ever since the introduction of the SR Series. It’s one of Ibanez’s greatest and most recognizable bass guitar lines.

This bass guitar has a great appearance, a full, clean sound, and a reasonable price—everything you could want in a bass guitar. 

This version, in our perspective, will be fantastic for more experienced players looking to boost their bass skills.

Ibanez GSR200

Ibanez makes another inexpensive bass. The GSR200 is generally more expensive than the preceding version, but it also offers incredible audio quality.

The manufacturer chose to combine agathis, maple, and rosewood for this option. Furthermore, it comes in a variety of shades.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Ibanez produce good banjos?

Ibanez is a well-known company that manufactures a wide selection of banjos, ranging from entry-level versions to pieces of the highest caliber.

Both newbies and professional musicians should consider this brand because they have a large selection of banjos to suit any requirement.
Ibanez banjos are common for artists of all skill levels since they are well-built and sound fantastic.

Ibanez is a wonderful choice if you want a high-quality banjo that will serve you for many years.

Are Ibanez guitars adaptable?

Definitely! We have already seen guitarists from many categories who often played Ibanez guitars. Whether you enjoy heavy metal, jazz, funk, or indie rock, Ibanez provides a diverse selection of guitars that are appropriate for all styles.

You might be a banjo player who would benefit from an Ibanez! There are many valid grounds to practice the banjo from this reputable manufacturer.

The fact that it is a flexible piece that can be utilized for various styles is among the most crucial factors. Bluegrass, country and even jazz may all be played on it. The Ibanez banjo is also very inexpensive, making it available to many users.