Cfxtrjtrk

My violin bridge is slightly too short; if I place it between the f-hole notches as it should be, action becomes too low. I normally use heavy gauge strings to partially compensate for lost tension.

However, if I move the bridge slightly closer to the fingerboard, such that its tip is barely touching the furthest of the two f-hole notches (the one closest to the fingerboard), I regain a lot of the action.

The only trade-off I see is the slightly decreased clearance between the fingerboard and the bridge.

I can't notice any appreciable loss in sound (due to the increased distance to the sound post) or any change in finger spacing.

Is this a generally accepted solution? Or should I go to a Luthier and have them fit a new bridge?

I mostly play classical music.

Optimum bridge position is all tied up with the position of the sound post (which can be moved) and the bass bar (which can't). There's also the matter of getting used to playing a fiddle with non-standard dimensions, which may be counter-productive.

A new bridge isn't expensive. Treat the violin to one, and a set of standard weight strings.

Your problem isn't entirely clear: low fingerboard action is not solved by changing string tension. Why are you actually using heavy gauge strings? Is that in response to your poor bridge height?

Further, as LPayne suggests, moving the bridge any significant distance changes all the fingering positions, locations of harmonic points, etc., which will pretty much ruin your playing skills. Have a luthier inspect your instrument to verify that the bridge is in fact low (as opposed to perhaps an excessively low nut at the head, or bad fingerboard alignment), and suggest what work should be done to improve playability.

I would be inclined not to try these adjustments yourself. Set up (position of bridge, height of bridge, strings etc) is a highly sensitive aspect of your instrument and is crucial to its tone. Luthiers aren`t cheap but a good set up should change your instrument for the better and get the most out of it. If you go down this route be sure to talk to the person who will be doing the work and explain what you want to achieve. I had to replace a bridge that had been part of a set up that had remained unchanged for 30 years, the effect was like playing a totally different instrument. Good luck.