Starting bard gear advice

[shlence]

Hey everyone,

I play a bard as my main, named Skee. I've been gifted a Fine Steel Shortsword from a kind soul but I'm a bit confused by what armor I should be aiming for? What would be a good armor progression for a non-twink fresh start character on the server. I have about 60 plat saved up from doing gnoll fangs and such. Would it be better to save for bronze straight off, instead of going for banded? Also, the FS weapon should last me till late teens or so shouldn't it?

Thanks for your time,

Skee|7 Half Elf Bard