The trick is to use them as hotbuttons, make 4 or 5 (depending on if you af
a shield i.e second weapon and depending on how much instruments you have).
The first two hotbuttons are for your weapon (can be 1, depending on the
second weapon). In the other two hotbuttons you put your instruments and if
you have a second weapon leave one open. Then you can easily swith between
weapons and instruments without the pain of dropping and losing something.
Also happened to me :)

For example, i have a mino axe and shield as melee waeapons for wich i have
two hotbuttons. I have a mandolin and a hand drum, wich are another two. And
one empty button to put my shield, when i'm using my instruments.

Good luck

Corbolu 11th level bard
Bertoxxulous

>From: Warren Wang <wwang@...>
>Reply-To: eqbards@onelist.com
>To: EQ Bards <eqbards@onelist.com>
>Subject: [eqbards] Juggling instruments
>Date: Sat, 03 Jul 1999 22:59:45 -0500
>
>From: Warren Wang <wwang@...>
>
>So how does everyone else manage to juggling instruments/weapons and
>not drop something on the ground? I just lost a fine steel spear,
>which I spent most of my bank account on (money isn't exactly prolific
>at level 8). Tried to shout and see if someone would return it, but
>alas to no avail. Yes I'm using the inventory-as-hotkey method. I
>have no problem juggling 2-3 songs, but trying to switch instruments
>is a serious PITA with the risk of dropping something.
>
>Warren, aka Erol of Cazic-Thule
>
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