Don't focus so much on weapons, instruments will be your bread and butter for most, if not all, of the game. Stick with very fast hitters (shark tooth, AoF claws, Kerran Fishing Pole, etc.) if you can, until you get charm. If you can't afford those, stick with anything magic and easy to get!
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Once you get charm, master the charm kite. It will be about on par with group exp, at times a little slower, but it's steady. It makes you a better bard.
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Pick up gear as you go. I stress dexterity as a bard, you'll miss way less notes and when Kunark is released you'll be in a better position to use the "proc" weapons that come with it.
Send Doug a tell in game some time. I've got a Staff of Withering you can have.
Cheers!