'Wingless' Bridge

[Calvin Marks]

A friend of mine in Orchestra London has no 'wings' on his bridge. I asked him once why he did this and he said it makes the sound much more "direct and focussed".

Here is an example of Andrew Miller and his lovely bass: http://dailygleaner.canadaeast.com/front/article/462348

Does anyone know of this practice?

Thank you kindly.