How well can Bards solo level with melee?

[Vanessa]

I'm considering making a Bard since I've never played one before, mostly because 95% of the time I play solo and the 40% penalty always turned me off. However now with the hybrid penalties gone, I am considering making one.

One thing I am curious about though, is how well can Bards solo if they are NOT doing the big swarm kites, or the charm killing like Druids/Enchanters?

Is a Bard basically like a Warrior or Ranger when it comes to DPS, assuming they're using the same ratio weapons? Just with the benefit of having songs too for less downtime, haste buffs, speed buffs etc. ?

If I were to just use melee weapons and my buff / debuff songs, would I be able to solo grind quicker and/or easier than most of the other melee classes?