banter is a tricky one, it's nasty if it's too near the truth and the people it's aimed at are lacking in self confidence, it's a thin dividing line between a bit of a pi55 take and bullying, getting a feel for when people are getting upset is important. Something that is difficult when written down in a post.
I walked in the pub tonight where I'd done open mic on Friday, a couple of the blokes said "hope you've not bought your guitar again" but it was said in such a way that I took it as a compliment, they'd actually enjoyed my little set, if I'd been shite they wouldn't have said it, hopefully I read it right 😂