The role of a *proper* bard (i.e. one that doesn't swarm kite) changes over levels, from 1-30ish they're quite decent melee classes, but from 20+ the lack of double attack starts to show a decline in damage output from weapons while other melee classes accelerate in theirs. Fortunately, that's also where Bards get very good options with songs, both for damage and support.
There are times where weapons are still useful, such as fear kiting and when using weapons with "tactical" procs like Journeyman Stick etc. As such, best early purchases for a bard include instruments from Mistmoore (MM drum and gypsy lute), perhaps a Conch Shell horn though that is of less use in lower levels. Cheap and cheerful weapons like Sionachie's Partisan will serve well, avoid overrated stuff like Breath of Harmony, and flesh out equipment with AC+HP+Resists as primary concerns, Charisma* and Strength as secondary useful stats.
Galenbor, 60 WoodyBard
* Ignore claims that charisma is useless and take a look at Bard's level 8 Lament song. This is a lull spell that has very high success rate compared to other classes' equivalent and makes Bards very effective pullers where Harmony won't work.
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