Why would bards switch out instruments?

[Xaanka]

Originally Posted by NovaSeven [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

They have to stop using their horns to release the spit valve. Spit valves are classic.

[Pindrought]

Thanks so much for the answers guys. I thought my chord of dissonance was doing low damage and then I realized that when I put on my string instrument it doubled in damage. Makes a lot more sense now. That being said, as far as swapping out weapons during combat, is the only way to do this by having the weapons on your hotbar and swapping with mouse or is there any way to swap them out with macros?

[darkreap]

Some songs can only be played with certain instruments equipped. Cantata of Soothing for instance can only be played with a stringed instrument equipped(lvl 34 only as the lvl 55 one can be sung). Also, the lvl 50 and 60 bard overhaste spells can only be played with a horn equipped. In later levels bards will do much more damage with their dots while they have instruments equipped but depending on the group makeup, this could be less overall dps for the group. Just kinda depends on the situation.