Insturments vs weapons in groups

[dhoushi]

It depends on the role needed in the group, and your level. Instrument mods become greater as you level because the base number of the effect becomes stronger as you level (just like casters) which will improve the net gain from an instrument. In most situations as a twink bard I'm using weapons and just twisting buffs and charm in, however if you were for example in a melee heavy group, and were doing cc and buffs , yeah an instrument may be better. Generally at your level and you're gear level, I would simply consider the role and the dps distribution.