Double Bass Fitting Strings To Tailpiece

[gypsydjango]

When fitting a new set of strings on the DB is it wise to put a felt washer on top of the ball end where it fastens underneath the tailpiece? The strings in question are Spirocore Light.

 

[nogbert]

if the strings don't come with them i usually don't bother. ive never noticed a difference in sound with or without them when ive done some experiments on my own.

 

[Francois Blais]

The felt rings' purpose is to protect the tailpiece material, usually wood.

 

[TroyK]

I always use them, even with strings that don't ship with them (I have just accumulated a bunch of them over time.)

I have no reason to believe that it has any impact on the sound and no evidence that it actually protects the tailpiece, but it just feels like there should be a buffer between metal and wood for the benefit of the wood.

 

[Mark_T]

When fitting a new set of strings on the DB is it wise to put a felt washer on top of the ball end where it fastens underneath the tailpiece? The strings in question are Spirocore Light.

If you haven't put the washer on, you've probably ruined the bass, and you'd better just send it to me to dispose of.

For a long time, I used them if they came with the strings. Lately I've been taking them off. I don't think I've ruined any tailpieces or strings along the way, and I can't hear any difference. Do what makes you feel comfortable, I think.

 

[BassinCT]

In general, I leave them on but I don’t think that it matters if the tailpiece is made from a harder wood. I have seen a few tailpieces with compressed surfaces from the ball ends.

 

[DoubleMIDI]

I need to use them other than to save the underside of your tailpiece from a few scratches.
I would use them if the string end sticks out of the ball end and would scratch the tailpiece.
The felt gets too compressed to have any noticeable effect on sound.

 

[gypsydjango]

Thanks for your replies. Much appreciated.