Felt donuts - newbie Q

[RadicalDad]

I just bought a 40 year old bass and had substantial work done to it (factored into the purchase decision). Among the things done were a new ebony tailpiece and new strings.

When I bought the bass, there were felt donuts between the tailpiece and the ball end of the string. I think the old strings were Pirastro Obligatos. The new strings are Thomastic Spirocores, and no felt donuts.

Are the donuts there only to protect the tailpiece, or do they also have a function in modifying the sound? Did they come with the (old) set of Pirastro strings? Wondering if I should put the donuts back on the new strings.

Thanks

[gomez hacienda]

Pirastro still gives you felt donuts. I don't think everyone else does. But I really don't think it matters. It certainly wouldn't keep me from playing it. You can always buy some felt and make your own. Maybe you can improve on the design...

gomez

[Dr Rod]

some people claim that they affect the sound, I have not tried both versions so I can't say for myself. I don't use them.

[JoeyNaeger]

I've tried both ways, and there is no difference that I can hear.

[Nick Ioannucci]

i always reuse the felt, i thought it was supposed to be there.