By using this spell, a bard can transform one musical instrument into another of similar size and equal value. Any hand-held instrument can be altered into any other hand-held instrument. However, in order to obtain a large instrument, such as a base harp, organ, or any other instrument that is too large or heavy to be easily carried, the bard must start with an equally large instrument.
In any event, the value of the new instrument is identical to the original. A golden recorder will generate a silver-plated lute, a child's drum will generate a non-functional lyre, etc.
Bards use this spell to save both money and equipment carried. It is a lot cheaper to buy a single instrument and alter it when another is needed than to buy every instrument that might be required. This also saves a lot of space in one's backpack.
If the instrument the bard wishes to alter is being carried or played by another character, a successful attack roll against the opponent's Armor Class must be made in order to touch the instrument.
Notes: Restricted to bards; uncommon.