I'm working on a Hupfeld Phonoliszt-Violina and the bridge mutes
were all adjusted so that they didn't touch the bridges even when
activated.  I'm wondering how close to the bridge they should be
when not activated?

Is there any reason to not use the bridge mutes?  So far I have
found only one roll in by collection that has the muting holes, so
not having the mutes doesn't seem to be a great problem.

Lyle Merithew