Description
Ibanez B200 5-String Banjo: A Twangy Comeback
After three decades, Ibanez has made a triumphant return to the banjo business with the B200. In the past, Ibanez was known for their passion for banjo-building, even collaborating on an artist signature model with the late Earl Scruggs. Now, the Ibanez B200 offers a high-quality 5-string closed-back banjo at an affordable price point. It features a basswood rim with a 24-lug configuration, a rolled brass tone ring, and a mahogany resonator. The mahogany neck boasts a rosewood fingerboard with mother-of-pearl inlay, while the chrome banjo tuners add a vintage touch while keeping the instrument in tune.
Key Features:
- 5-String Banjo: Features a classic 5-string banjo design.
- Double Coordinator Rod: Provides stability and adjustability for the banjo's setup.
- Basswood Rim: Offers a solid foundation for rich tone.
- Mahogany Resonator: Enhances projection and resonance.
- Mahogany Neck: Provides stability and a warm tone.
- Rosewood Fingerboard: Delivers smooth playability and a touch of elegance.
- Mother-of-Pearl Inlay: Adorns the fingerboard, adding a stylish aesthetic.
- Gloss Finish: Provides a sleek and polished appearance.
Banjo Q&A
What is a banjo resonator and what does it accomplish?
A resonator is the back, bowl-shaped part of a banjo that helps to reflect the sound out to your audience, thus making the banjo sound louder and brighter. This is in contrast to an open-back banjo, which does not have a resonator.
What is the difference in sound between a resonator banjo and an open-back banjo?
Resonator banjos project the sound toward the audience with more ringing (resonation). Open-back banjos have a more mellow and softer sound, but are sometimes preferred by banjo players of different play styles. Open-back banjos are preferred by old-time clawhammer banjo players, while newer bluegrass players sometimes prefer the louder ringing sound of a resonator banjo.
What banjo should a beginner buy?
We always recommend beginners pick up an instrument that they will proudly play and learn on. For this reason, we recommend banjos which provide a good value, without being cost prohibitive. Fortunately, some big names in banjos have continued to manufacture impeccable, affordable banjos which are perfect for beginners. We recommend beginners look at purchasing the following banjos:
What is the most common type of banjo
The most common type of banjo, especially in the US, is the 5-string banjo. The 5th string of the 5-string banjo is called the "thumb string" or "drone string" because of the clawhammer technique of thumb-picking the 5th string in syncopation with the other 4 strings.
How is a standard 5-string banjo tuned?
5-string banjos are most commonly tuned in "Open G" tuning. Starting from the 5th string to the 1st string, the notes are tuned G, D, G, B, D.
As always, please reach out to us if you have any questions or would like recommendations. We can be easily reached by using our Contact Form or emailing us directly at info@pinevillemusic.com.
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