Is there a version of the Bard that exchanges spell casting for something else just like there is for the Ranger?
There isn't.
This is mostly because magic is far more important to a bard then it is to the ranger.
What are you looking for? There are a few new classes that might accomplish what you're looking for otherwise.
There are archetypes that have some bard-like abilities. One interesting option is the Deadly Courtesan rogue archetype. You have to be a Vishkanya to qualify for it, though.
I wouldn't mind seeing one. Something like an increase to full BAB with added emphasis on performance/support abilities. Although this may be my latent desire to see a Pathfinder version of Marshal/Warlord coming through.
The Sensei (Monk) has an ability that functions as Inspire Courage. I guess it depends on how magical you think ki powers are.
I wouldn't mind seeing one. Something like an increase to full BAB with added emphasis on performance/support abilities.
But isn't the Bardic Performance itself kinda magic?
It could be, but it doesn't have to be. I know I do stuff better when I'm listening to some rad tunes.
I like the idea of a Skald who flavors his performance as Medieval Heavy Metal that gets the party moshing.
Classes with song, but no spell (none are bards)
Steel Falcon inspire courage only
Carnivalist distraction and fascinate only
3rd party:
Inspiring commander
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Here's a follow-up question: would any of the above listed classes allow a character to qualify for Battle Herald?
To qualify to become a battle herald, a character must fulfill all the following criteria.
Base Attack Bonus: +4.
Special: Challenge and inspire courage class features.
Skills: Diplomacy 5 ranks, Intimidate 5 ranks, Perform (oratory) 5 ranks, Profession (soldier) 2 ranks.
If it has inspire courage, you can get into battle herald with it.
sensei qualifies for battle herald (and steel falcon too, iirc)
my favorite battle herald started as a sensei 4/musketeer 1
Best answer I could think of is Expert with a several performance skills as "class skill" selections. This is if you are looking for an entertainer that isn't magical.
As for a James Bond character, the rogue archetype for Spy (advanced players guide) may be what you seek for a James Bond character.
There is a series of products by rogue genius games called their Archetype line. They arent the same as paizo archetypes (originally came out before the advanced players guide introduced them). They are a set of abilities that any class can trade a specific set of abilities for. One of the options for the bard is their magic. You could trade out spells for any of the archetypes from the 4 products.
That said, I am not sure how appropriate a bard is for James Bond, I mean, maybe the skills, but he isnt really a performer, and he doesnt really buff his allies, or even himself. Charismatic and skillfull sure but the bardic music makes next to no sense for james bond.
If you want to go literal, the Daredevil also from rogue genius games has a secret agent archetype. Though ofcourse some re-flavoring would be needed since anachronistic adventures are meant for characters caught out of time.
I figured the archaeologist archetype could have done with a sub-archetype that tossed out spells in favor of some kind of derring-do pool (similar to grit or panache). Indy wasn't really that into spells, though he wasn't above using command-word items.
I've seriously considered making the various Pathfinder-based prestige classes (Delver, Savant, Chronicler, and Field Agent) into base classes for this reason.
As for James Bond, well....
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There are archetypes that have some bard-like abilities. One interesting option is the Deadly Courtesan rogue archetype. You have to be a Vishkanya to qualify for it, though.
The Vishkanya never appealed to me as a player so I sort of skipped over them in the ARG, but now that I get a chance to read it I am struggling to find a reason-aside from racial restrictions-you wouldn't take Deadly Courtesan over a vanilla rogue every time.