I'm just wondering if there is a huge disparity between holding an instrument, tuning it, and singing verses a bard who has no instrument? THinking of a character who just likes to sing with no instrument. I'm just kind of curious as to if you sing without an instrument do songs now last as long, or the hit and dam roll, or SVS spells you get from songs not as strong without an instrument?

Just kind of an idea. I haven't played a bard yet, but just wanted something different. I know there's an edge that helps with bards who sing without instruments, but what do you think?

Is it just easier and bards are more potent with an instrument than without. Anyone have any experience with this?

If I recall correctly, with a decent instrument dance with the jack of shadows (or whatever the new name is) gave about +120 hp. Without an instrument I think it was +80 hp. That means it's about 10-15 levels difference in the song.

Don't remember for sure, but I think there's an edge you can take that boosts your singing with no instrument. Wouldn't boost it back up to "with instrument" levels, but it could mitigate the difference.