I too switched lute and horn for damage songs, but not instruments for weapons - too much work! I mainly learned to do three songs/two instruments to feel like an accomplished bard ;p. I much prefer to melee.

What's also fun is to go on an Area of Effect raid and kill 6 mobs at a time :).

Oh, and I am 35 rl (and female) ;).

Maravana Vireo
56 Bard of Deadly Virtues
Mithaniel Marr