Sethius - Posted - 12/25/2025:  07:50:58

I’ve read through many of the posts regarding entry level banjos and most of them are outdated at this point so I wanted to get updated opinions.

Background, still a beginner and I’ve been learning on an old Asheville open back banjo. After a recent move from Japan back home it significantly struggles to hold a tune despite adjustments, so I’m in the market. Given my current skill level and need to continue progression I don’t want to spend too much money.

Soo….looking for opinions between these 2:
Ibanez B50 vs Rogue B30

I know everyone recommends Recording King Dirty 30 or a Goodtime. But for me and I’m assuming many other entry level players these are 2 of the primary options.

So, people that have them, which one is best and why?

If anyone has experience on both, which is better and why?

BobbyE - Posted - 12/25/2025:  08:31:29

I don't have experience with either instrument but will say that between the two, since they are both very basic starter instruments, both set up to the best of their capability, will probably sound pretty similar; or at least one not particularly better than the other. So go with the one you like the best, or best fits your budget, and set it up to the best of its capability and save toward a better instrument.

Bobby

eagleisland - Posted - 12/25/2025:  08:52:26

These two banjos represent the two most common entry-level instruments. The Rogue is what we call a "bottlecap," in that it kind of looks like one when viewed from the top. The rim is cast aluminum with cast "flange" around it for the tension hooks.

The Ibanez is a thin plywood rim with shoes mounted to it for the tension hooks; the resonator is held on by stamped metal plates.

The reality is that both of these instruments are mass produced by manufacturers for resale to distributors. As such, you can find instruments that are essentially identical to these two under a host of different brand names. Both designs have been around for a long time, so if you're looking at one of these I'd look at the used market first.

They can be decent starter instruments, but that's the key here - they're starters, and you've already got one to practice on. Were it me, I'd keep practicing on the open back while saving up for something that actually represents a step up. With Recording King effectively out of business, I'd be looking for a Gold Tone Cripple Creek. Gold Tone has a long track record of producing well-made instruments for the lower end of the market (and is doing some really nice stuff for higher end these days). As a teacher, I'm NEVER disappointed to see a new student walk in with a Gold Tone of any model.

Sethius - Posted - 12/25/2025:  09:03:51

quote:

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Originally posted by BobbyE

I don't have experience with either instrument but will say that between the two, since they are both very basic starter instruments, both set up to the best of their capability, will probably sound pretty similar; or at least one not particularly better than the other. So go with the one you like the best, or best fits your budget, and set it up to the best of its capability and save toward a better instrument.



Bobby

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Thank you. Makes sense. I assumed, and based on everything I've read that these 2 are very very similar. I'd love to get my hands on both both no where local has any Rogue's in stock. Plenty of Ibanez B50s around though. 

Sethius - Posted - 12/25/2025:  09:08:16

quote:

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Originally posted by eagleisland

These two banjos represent the two most common entry-level instruments. The Rogue is what we call a "bottlecap," in that it kind of looks like one when viewed from the top. The rim is cast aluminum with cast "flange" around it for the tension hooks.



The Ibanez is a thin plywood rim with shoes mounted to it for the tension hooks; the resonator is held on by stamped metal plates.



The reality is that both of these instruments are mass produced by manufacturers for resale to distributors. As such, you can find instruments that are essentially identical to these two under a host of different brand names. Both designs have been around for a long time, so if you're looking at one of these I'd look at the used market first.



They can be decent starter instruments, but that's the key here - they're starters, and you've already got one to practice on. Were it me, I'd keep practicing on the open back while saving up for something that actually represents a step up. With Recording King effectively out of business, I'd be looking for a Gold Tone Cripple Creek. Gold Tone has a long track record of producing well-made instruments for the lower end of the market (and is doing some really nice stuff for higher end these days). As a teacher, I'm NEVER disappointed to see a new student walk in with a Gold Tone of any model.

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Thank you for the input! I'd love to keep with this Asheville until I increased my budget enough to buy a Goldtone, but it's becoming increasingly frustrating fighting the tuning. Oddly enough, I see the irony in this and the risk of having to do the same thing on another entry level instrument. However, I've seen a lot of good things about the Rogue, with some saying it works for seasoned players for practice/jamming. 

 

My plan is to give this post some more time, and keep browsing the used market for something higher end closer to me price range that wouldn't cause me to expand the budget too much. 

eagleisland - Posted - 12/25/2025:  09:47:20

quote:

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Originally posted by Sethius

quote:

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Originally posted by eagleisland

These two banjos represent the two most common entry-level instruments. The Rogue is what we call a "bottlecap," in that it kind of looks like one when viewed from the top. The rim is cast aluminum with cast "flange" around it for the tension hooks.



The Ibanez is a thin plywood rim with shoes mounted to it for the tension hooks; the resonator is held on by stamped metal plates.



The reality is that both of these instruments are mass produced by manufacturers for resale to distributors. As such, you can find instruments that are essentially identical to these two under a host of different brand names. Both designs have been around for a long time, so if you're looking at one of these I'd look at the used market first.



They can be decent starter instruments, but that's the key here - they're starters, and you've already got one to practice on. Were it me, I'd keep practicing on the open back while saving up for something that actually represents a step up. With Recording King effectively out of business, I'd be looking for a Gold Tone Cripple Creek. Gold Tone has a long track record of producing well-made instruments for the lower end of the market (and is doing some really nice stuff for higher end these days). As a teacher, I'm NEVER disappointed to see a new student walk in with a Gold Tone of any model.

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Thank you for the input! I'd love to keep with this Asheville until I increased my budget enough to buy a Goldtone, but it's becoming increasingly frustrating fighting the tuning. Oddly enough, I see the irony in this and the risk of having to do the same thing on another entry level instrument. However, I've seen a lot of good things about the Rogue, with some saying it works for seasoned players for practice/jamming. 

 

My plan is to give this post some more time, and keep browsing the used market for something higher end closer to me price range that wouldn't cause me to expand the budget too much. 

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There are different models of Rogues. They are all mass-produced as described. There's only a few reasons why your banjo won't hold tune. Could be the tuners failing, or it could be a simple adjustment.

'

Dean T - Posted - 12/25/2025:  10:03:24

Go to the set up and repair forums here, and let the experienced folks here, try and sort out your tuning problems. Banjos are just nuts and bolts, and I’ll bet it would be easier and cheaper to fix up what you have, than buy another one, of basically the same. Take some clear close up pics of your tuners, tailpiece, bridge, and co-rod, and see if we can spot any problems. The low end banjos can be made to hold tune and play fine. If it was ok at one point, and sucks now, it just needs someone to figure out why. They are notorious for the neck loosening up, and if it slides around, the tuning is all over the place. A loose or raised tailpiece can do the same thing. Tuners are cheap, and a new set might help. If you've never tightened the head, that can make tuning a hassle and cause buzzes and a saggy bridge... etc... etc... etc...

Edited by - Dean T on 12/25/2025 10:17:59

Sethius - Posted - 12/25/2025:  10:42:12

quote:

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Originally posted by Dean T

Go to the set up and repair forums here, and let the experienced folks here, try and sort out your tuning problems. Banjos are just nuts and bolts, and I’ll bet it would be easier and cheaper to fix up what you have, than buy another one, of basically the same. Take some clear close up pics of your tuners, tailpiece, bridge, and co-rod, and see if we can spot any problems. The low end banjos can be made to hold tune and play fine. If it was ok at one point, and sucks now, it just needs someone to figure out why. They are notorious for the neck loosening up, and if it slides around, the tuning is all over the place. A loose or raised tailpiece can do the same thing. Tuners are cheap, and a new set might help. If you've never tightened the head, that can make tuning a hassle and cause buzzes and a saggy bridge... etc... etc... etc...

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Dean T,

Thanks for the input. Needed major adjustments once I unpacked it upon arrival. There was a terrible buzz on the 5th string, then the 3rd after some adjustments. Neck was loose, but I tightened it. I got rid of the buzz after tweaking it. The bridge is in he right place and appears to be in good condition. The banjo as is is playable, especially for me.  Just super finicky. I've been wanting a resonator for a while anyway. I know there isn't a vast difference but I enjoy the ever so slight difference of sound between an open back and resonator, and I'm a 3-finger guy. 

This Asheville was a gift, so I'm out no money if replaced. I just can't bring myself to spend $600 on an instrument I'll only ever play recreationally. I know I'll always play the banjo, and whatever I have won't just sit and collect dust, however I also know I'll never go play anywhere or for anything needed a higher-end model.

ill work on getting some pictures up in the other forum for sure to see if anything jumps out at someone after than me. 

Nopix - Posted - 12/25/2025:  16:09:57

I started on a Kay. Thing is, there's a rod but you can still move the neck around(out of tune) easily. Don't buy anything like that. I don't otherwise know how to explain it. The hoop is bolted to the neck, but the hoop flexes. That's bad. It's not like it can't be played, but you'll never be in tune with anyone else.
I've also got a Rover. The hoop is fairly rigid, but it still flexes too much.
Get a Goodtime. And if you can't afford a Goodtime, get a used goodtime.
Cheers

KCJones - Posted - 12/27/2025:  13:05:13

Point of clarification: the Ibanez is not a "plywood" rim. It's a multi-ply rim, the same construction as a standard 3-ply but just with more plys. Calling it plywood isn't really accurate, it's not a plywood sheet bent into a circle it's a multi-ply banjo rim.

Vega/Fairbanks made their banjos with 7-ply thin rims and they sound amazing and nobody says the multi-ply rim is a bad thing. I'm not saying the Ibanez is as good as an old Vega, the point is that having more than 3-plies doesn't automatically mean a banjo is bad and calling it "plywood" isn't accurate.

1935tb-11 - Posted - 12/28/2025:  08:16:26

there is a used cripple creek in the BHO ads for 350.00 bucks

looks great ,,, it is in florida so there would be shipping.

banjohangout.org/classified/113471

Sethius - Posted - 12/28/2025:  13:49:15

quote:

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Originally posted by 1935tb-11

there is a used cripple creek in the BHO ads for 350.00 bucks

looks great ,,, it is in florida so there would be shipping.

banjohangout.org/classified/113471

 

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Awesome, thank you!