Do Primary slot instruments allow you to use a shield as a Bard?

[OfficeThug]

I see that some of the high-end instruments like Drums of the Beast are Primary slot instruments. I know this allows you to use a weapon in the Secondary slot, but can you also use shields?

[Legidias]

yes

[OfficeThug]

Awesome! Thank you!

[sacman08]

The question is why? Some weapons have AC and IMO a shield is too heavy for a bard vs a weapon.

[Issar]

The question is why? Some weapons have AC and IMO a shield is too heavy for a bard vs a weapon.

You generally find better resists on shields, which is more appealing than A/C for raids and what not.

[Legidias]

Cause bards best enrage tank

[Troxx]

Shield ac (if it works here the same way as it did/does on live) is not subject to any hard or soft caps. No class dependent returns on ac. No penalty at all. 25-35 shield ac is a lot more potent than ac from any other armor slot or weapon.

If you’re going to be taking damage you’ll take less with a shield equipped.

[Synthlol]

Shield AC adds to softcap and worn AC both. So it basically ensure you get 100% AC from a shield, even if you are at your softcap. No reduced AC returns from shields.

[MikeXG]

Is this true for weapons that give AC as well or just shields?

[Legidias]

Without any testing whatsoever, I believe it is only shields / held off hand items

[MikeXG]

Without any testing whatsoever, I believe it is only shields / held off hand items

Makes sense, and it is what I expected.

[enjchanter]

No it can be any offhand eqippable weapon, shield, torch, etc basically just not another instrument

[OfficeThug]

Thank you very much for the responses! The idea was to have the drum in primary and a high MR/AC shield in secondary to help me survive while solo'ing, so it's good to know it works that way. Time to keep saving for a Drum of the Beast then!

[Synthlol]

Without any testing whatsoever, I believe it is only shields / held off hand items

No.

Only shields.