Possible dumb string question...

[Chrix]

Just Yesterday, I put a set of Obligatos on my bass. Now while I like the sound, I was curious about something and it got me thinking.
These strings came with felt discs close to the ball of the string, obviously to protect the tailpiece. My question is if I were to take those off, would it effect the tone of the strings? Just curious...

[Mike Goodbar]

I've left them on and taken them off, and if there was a difference in tone or response, I certainly didn't detect it.