Instrument of the Bards MTG Card


Gives consistent access to creatures, fine-tuning decks for strategic plays each upkeep. Immediate board impact is compromised for strategic long-term advantage and board setups. The card’s mana specificity may limit its integration into diverse MTG deck archetypes.
Card setsReleased in 6 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityRare
TypeLegendary Artifact
Abilities Treasure

Text of card

At the beginning of your upkeep, you may put a harmony counter on Instrument of the Bards. , : Search your library for a creature card with mana value equal to the number of harmony counters on Instrument of the Bards, reveal it, and put it into your hand. If that card is legendary, create a Treasure token. Then shuffle.


Cards like Instrument of the Bards

Instrument of the Bards finds its place within Magic: The Gathering as a unique card-searching enchantment. Drawing parallels to other tutors in the game, it can be compared to more direct cards like Diabolic Tutor. While Diabolic Tutor allows for the immediate addition of any card from your library to your hand, Instrument of the Bards requires setup time and a gradual increase in verse counters to unlock its potential.

In a similar category, we see cards like Long-Term Plans, which also doesn’t give instant gratification but seeds your future draws. It strategically positions the sought-after card three places down in your library, setting up for future turns. Instrument of the Bards offers a more recurring benefit, slowly granting access to creatures across multiple turns with the right amount of mana investment and planning.

When considering value and utility in a game of MTG, Instrument of the Bards stands out for its potential in commander and other long-format games where it can be repeatedly used to fetch creatures. Diabolic Tutor and Long-Term Plans are powerful yet single-use, making Instrument of the Bards a compelling option for those patient enough to harness its full power over time.

Diabolic Tutor - MTG Card versions
Long-Term Plans - MTG Card versions
Diabolic Tutor - MTG Card versions
Long-Term Plans - MTG Card versions

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Skyclave Pick-Axe - MTG Card versions
Lifespark Spellbomb - MTG Card versions
Horizon Spellbomb - MTG Card versions
Implement of Ferocity - MTG Card versions
Rosethorn Halberd - MTG Card versions
A-Elven Bow - MTG Card versions
Elven Bow - MTG Card versions
Killer Cosplay - MTG Card versions
Haywire Mite - MTG Card versions
A-Haywire Mite - MTG Card versions
Incubation Sac - MTG Card versions
Maze Skullbomb - MTG Card versions
Glowcap Lantern - MTG Card versions
Rope - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Instrument of the Bards offers a strategic edge by enabling you to search your library for a specific card each upkeep, ensuring a steady flow of key cards to your hand.

Resource Acceleration: This card can expedite your gameplay by potentially fetching mana dorks or land cards, keeping you ahead of the mana curve and allowing for powerful plays earlier in the game.

Instant Speed: Although Instrument of the Bards itself isn’t an instant, it places the cards into your hand at the beginning of your upkeep, giving you the flexibility to cast spells at instant speed with the right cards in hand.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Unlike other enchantments that provide value with no additional costs, Instrument of the Bards requires you to part with a valuable card from your hand in order to retrieve a creature card. This makes it less efficient in situations where hand size is critical to your game plan.

Specific Mana Cost: This card necessitates a dedicated mana cost, not just colorless but one green mana. Players not running that specific mana color in their decks will find it hard to integrate Instrument of the Bards, limiting its versatility across various deck archetypes.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With an initial casting cost of four mana and a steady investment to get creatures from your library, it becomes a slow addition to your battlefield. Other cards could provide more immediate impact or require less investment to achieve similar or better effects.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Instrument of the Bards is an adaptable card that can seamlessly integrate into various deck archetypes. Whether you’re piloting a commander deck that thrives on specific creature types or a control deck that requires precise tutoring, this card offers tailored card advantage turn after turn.

Combo Potential: Known for unlocking combos, this card lets you sift through your deck for critical pieces. Its capability to search for creatures of your choice each turn can set up powerful interactions and synergies that can sway the game in your favor.

Meta-Relevance: As the MTG landscape changes, having cards that adapt to various tactical needs is essential. Instrument of the Bards finds relevance by providing consistent value in environments dominated by slower, more thoughtful play where setting up the right board state is key to victory.


How to beat

Instrument of the Bards is a unique card in MTG that offers gradual but powerful card advantage. As it allows players to search their library for a card with an increasing mana value each turn, it becomes a slow but potential threat. To effectively handle this artifact, consider aggressive artifact removal spells like Abrade or Nature’s Claim to dispatch it swiftly. Additionally, strategies that limit searching libraries, such as Ashiok, Dream Render, can neutralize its advantage.

Another tactic is to outpace the incremental value it provides by applying pressure with a faster, more aggressive deck. This hinders an opponent’s ability to capitalize on the slowly accumulating value. Countermagic is also a reliable approach; cards like Counterspell or Negate can prevent Instrument of the Bards from landing on the battlefield in the first place. Playing around the activation cost and timing can also be effective, as the card requires a significant mana investment over multiple turns.

Understanding and responding to its slow build-up is crucial. By utilizing disruption or overwhelming your opponent before they reap the rewards of Instrument of the Bards, its impact can be significantly diminished, tipping the scales in your favor.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering the subtle power of Instrument of the Bards requires finesse and strategic planning. Positioned to shape the course of a match, this nuanced card presents opportunities for growth and tactical deployment. As you march forward in your MTG journey, consider the intricate dance of deck building and the impact of calculated card selection. Embrace the depth of play that Instrument of the Bards invites. If your aim is to harness the potential of a card that grows with every verse, allow us to guide you further into the rich tapestry of MTG. Learn more and optimize your quintessential deck with us.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Instrument of the Bards MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Adventures in the Forgotten Realms Promos, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.

For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.

Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.

Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Instrument of the Bards and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Instrument of the Bards Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2021-07-23 and 2021-07-23. Illustrated by Randy Gallegos.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 927762015NormalBlackRandy Gallegos
22021-07-23Adventures in the Forgotten Realms PromosPAFR 190a2015NormalBlackRandy Gallegos
32021-07-23Adventures in the Forgotten Realms PromosPAFR 190p2015NormalBlackRandy Gallegos
42021-07-23Adventures in the Forgotten RealmsAFR 3852015NormalBlackRandy Gallegos
52021-07-23Adventures in the Forgotten Realms PromosPAFR 190s2015NormalBlackRandy Gallegos
62021-07-23Adventures in the Forgotten RealmsAFR 1902015NormalBlackRandy Gallegos

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Instrument of the Bards has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal