Violin/Viola/Cello Mute

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Update: Added Version 3, boasting even better printability. Be sure to try Version 2, with slight shape changes that enhance printability and smooth use. The SCAD file now includes more documentation and options for configuration. The V2 STL files reflect these updates. I have found NinjaFlex Semiflex to be the best filament among those tested for this object. Taulman Bridge is a close second. Although little Tourte mutes are inexpensive, I missed the old Yehudi Menuhin "flip-top" mutes due to their ease of use. Since they are no longer available, I designed something similar with good printability and modability in mind. As a Violist, the dimensions were first tuned for a Viola. If you need a mute for a Violin or Cello, simply load the included OpenSCAD file, adjust some named parameters, and generate a new STL file, or try the provided STL files. The OpenSCAD parameters are documented in the file. I initially printed it with Flex EcoPLA but found it to be too floppy. Then, I printed it using Taulman Bridge, achieving a satisfactory degree of firmness and give. ABS and PLA may not work as well, potentially denting the bridge due to their stiffness. My settings for Taulman Bridge were: Layer Height: 0.2mm, Shell Thickness (and Top/Bottom): 0.8mm, Fill Density: 20%, Print Speed: 30mm/s, Print Temp: 242C, No Fan. I printed on an Ultimaker Original using cold glass coated with diluted Elmers glue since my HBK had not arrived yet. Assemble by snapping the cones into the mute base's hollows in the mute arm. You can bend the base to achieve this. Place it on your instrument by hooking your lower middle string (Viola/Cello: G, Violin: D) with the base and then pull the base over a bit to hook the upper middle string (Viola/Cello: D, Violin: A). Slide the base between the bridge and tail until the mute pincers grip the bridge when the arm is swung into place. I have found that this works best with the base connected to the inner strings. However, you can adjust the str_dist variable to a larger number if you prefer to grip the outer strings.