bard guide

Hello,

I just started a new character a few weeks ago and I'm looking for a bard guide ( I haven't played bard since 2005)
What about HL gear?
Everything I find seem outdated (nearest I could find was apparently when bard/nin was popular?)

As for every job, once you get to the higher levels, empyrean armor will be the first on your list of priorities. You should also invest in one instrument for every song that you may consider relevant (I'd recommend Mazurka, Ballad and March at least). After that, there is no one set recommendation, instead you just pick up pieces here and there. FFXI has a very strong emphasis on situational play, and especially as BRD you will also want to play like that. So you should investigate what gives you song casting time reduction and skill, then try to pursue those items.

A good place to start is here:
http://www.ffxiah.com/search/item?&d...ing%20time#adv
http://www.ffxiah.com/search/item?&d...ng%20skill#adv
http://www.ffxiah.com/search/item?&d...nt%20skill#adv

Thanks!
The last guides I saw had gear sets for stoneskin and such. Is it still needed?