Completely fresh melee dps/tank viable?

[kelsoider]

I've not played a bard before so I don't really know how much gear affects their effectiveness. However; if you are of the appropriate level for the group/camp, people will generally be accepting regardless of what items you have. Play your class well and people will love you for it.
A good bard can be a force multiplier in an exp group.
My advice is to level in crushbone, farm a bit of plat selling belts and pads for whatever the cheap starting bard gear is(Lambent?) There is also the CE camp in Mistmoore which drops several instruments along with a ton of bronze armor. I'm sure the group there won't mind you looting if you ask nicely and explain yourself.