Hmm...well, considering I'm an armor nut, I can list for you what I have and what I want...maybe that helps...I only have one horn, took me over 18months to get it, but I don't even carry a harp anymore (I know ::Gasp:

...
Anyway, what I have:
HQ Light, Dark, Earth staff - I consider HQ Dark a total luxury, since my brd rarely /heal, but its nice to have.
I don't farm with BRD, so only have Joyeus as a "real" weapon if needed.
Horns - From what I know, there were some lower level +2 horns added that are ok. Requiem Flute (Requiem +4) is a nice addition as well.
Head - Turban when I need the extra HP/MP, BRD roundlet, Kabuto (HP)
Neck - Singing/Wind Torque, Star Necklace
Earrings - Musical Earring, Melody +1, Singing/Wind Earrings
Body - Sha'ir, Osode, Choral +1, Normally, I like the Choral +1, but osode gives better DEF when pulling.
Hands - Choral +1, Sheikh (I really REALLY want these!)
Back - Jesters, Intensifying (when pulling), would LOVE a birdman cape, but no one seems to knw where it comes from. Sometimes errant if I think I could pull hate.
Belt - Gleeman's
Legs - Choral +1, Sheikh, Mahatma, depending on situations
Feet - Bards Feet, Sha'ir
Rings - 2x heavens; sometimes for HNMs when Im not trying to land debuffs, I switch to -emnity gear.
As far as new abilities, I have found them of limited use for ME...I didn't get the -emnity song, since I figured that most mages are going to want double ballad from me. Troubadour I have found useful in 3 situations: When you need stuff to sleep for a long time, extending the duration of songs when you 2hr, and switching between parties in an alliance to do multiple songs.