Re: Allen tailpiece - does the felt mute the sound or not?
If you're worried, try it without the felt and see if you get stray notes caused by the strings between bridge and tailpiece vibrating. These can vibrate when the fretted notes are of certain pitches, causing "sympathetic" vibrations; they can also vibrate due to the pick strokes being transmitted through the bridge saddle to the parts of the strings "south" of the bridge.
I have mandolins with dampening materials installed within the tailpiece, and others without such dampers. I've never had a problem with un-dampened strings vibrating, but I also lack the keenest of ears, so perhaps not a good example for you.
If you do notice unwanted notes caused by un-dampened strings, you can then install the felt. I'd say try it without, to determine if it's needed.
Concur with Mike E that the felt should have no effect on the sound of strings between the nut and bridge.
Allen Hopkins
Gibsn: '54 F5 3pt F2 A-N Custm K1 m'cello
Natl Triolian Dobro mando
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