Hi Blucy
Firstly, I do not think the mute changes how you hear the instument. For example when you tune your fiddle with the mute attached it does the same job as with the mute off.
I do think the mute interferes with your developent however. I like knowing where my bow is on the strings at all times. A chunky mute hides the bow from you. You might get around that by watching your bow action in a mirror… if that works for you.
Richard
