changing string question

[lowEndRick]

I just took the old steel strings off my bass and they had both felt and metal washers resting between the ball end and the tailpiece. My new strings (Upton Black) did not come with these felt and metal washers. Should I install the new strings with or without these washers?

thanks
rick

[Francois Blais]

I suggest you put them.
It protects the tailpiece from the direct pressure of the metal ball-end of the strings, and may prevent unwanted buzzes too.