The B50 is a five string closed back banjo model introduced by Ibanez in mid 2012. It is made in China. It marks the return of Ibanez banjos after more than 30 years.
The B50 features a laminated nato rim and a mahogany veneer resonator with ivory binding and natural high gloss finish. It has a mahogany neck with a single coordinator rod and a 22-fret rosewood fingerboard with binding and white dot position markers. Components include a rolled chrome tone ring, chrome tension hoop with 24-piece bracket, an 11" Remo head, a purpleheart saddle in a rosewood and maple bridge, a chrome tailpiece, plastic nuts, a chrome armrest, and chrome open gear tuning machines with acrylic buttons.
In 2017 the open gear tuning machines were replaced with friction tuners. For 2018 the mahogany veneer resonator was changed to sapele veneer, the rosewood fretboard was changed to purpleheart and the rosewood and maple bridge was replaced with purpleheart and maple. For 2019 the neck was changed to okoume.
The B200 is a similar model with a basswood or poplar rim and with more elaborate fretboard and headstock inlays. The B100 is a similar model with decorative fretboard inlays.
Specifications
Specifications for B50
Year(s) offered: 2012–2020
Sold in: Europe 2012–2019 / North & South America and Oceania 2012–2019 / USA
