Re: was \RemoveEmptyStaffContext (?) -- now How Force a Brace?

[PMA]

harm6 wrote:
> at least some of the suggestions should work!!
>
> Make sure the lines to hide are really empty. Or, if you're using some other
> context/voice (Lyrics , Dynamics etc.), try to comment these to locate the
> problem. Some time ago I had a similiar one: a wrong rhythm in \new Dynamics
> disturbed hiding of staves.
>
> Cheers,
>    Harm

You're right -- there was an upbeat 16th at the end of that line.
(Maybe I've put off cataract surgery too long.)

Here's another quandry.  In a line of four 2/4 bars, I've got bars
2-3 appearing alone but still centered, by making bars 1 and 4
invisible and forcing a clef and key signature at bar 2.

Trouble is, of course, there is no *brace* at beginning of bar 2.
How can I force one there?   (I see no such force in the docs.)

Thanks,
Pete

P.S.  Alternatively to my invisible bar 1, can Lilypond's "short-
        indent" or "left-margin" be applied somehow "\once", to
        push bar 2 (now with its brace) in where I want it?