Bard mana songs:
 

When do they become actual buffs?

Only the first one (Level 20) is a buff, but as usual only 3 ticks. The later ones just generate mana every tick as far as i know.

Level 20 and level 32 mana song are singing-based pulse songs; they add mana on a one-time basis when played, like a mini-twitch. They are affected by singing instrument modifications, although it is likely still broken on p99.

Level 34 mana song is a string based 3 tick duration song, that requires a lute to play. The healing portion of the song is affected by an instrument, the mana one isn't.

Level 55 mana song is a string based 3 tick duration song, that doesn't require a lute to play. The healing portion of the song is affected by an instrument, the mana one isn't.

Astuce

and just in case you weren't aware mana regen of any kind doesn't work on bards, songs, spells, flowing thought.

1mana/tick is all they get

Flowing thought from equipped items doesn't work on bards? I always thought it would.

I guess I haven't tested, but that's interesting to know.

Alright... my fault.

On live, the pulse songs(lvl20 and 32) became actual buffs. I am wondering if it will ever happen on p99.

Flowing Thought does work on bards, although I couldn't confirm if it works on this server in particular. I had something like FT12 on live during PoP era for Fading Memories. Edit: I had FT14.

I don't believe this will ever happen here. The pulse and the buff song "stack", so you can twist 3 pulses with the 55 song. As said above, the mana portion of the 55 song is not affected by stringed instruments (it does mod the health regen portion of the song).

FYI,

C2 is 11 mana/tick + Gift of Brilliance is 2 mana/tick

Cassindra's (pulse song) is 7 mana/tick + Cantana (song) is 13 mana/tick

FT does work for bard mana regen.
I also believe you do regen mana faster on your bard while sitting. (It should be 2 mana rather than 1.)

Maybe FT works on bards on p99, but it would be wrong (not classic).

It wasn't changed until late Luclin. Maybe I can find the patch.

I remember campaigning for this change.

Astuce

Can confirm it's 2/tick sitting.