Double Bass String installation..

[Rimas]

Just picked up a set of Helicore solo strings, and I am wondering what the felt pads that come with the strings are for. Thanks..

 

[winston]

Are you talking about felt washers down by the ball end, or is it some sort of damper that goes on the bridge? The set of Pirastro Jazzers currently on my bass came with the ball end washers. I tried the strings first without, then with the washers. I felt they sounded noticeably better with the washers-there was a deeper fundamental and better balance from string to string. Other people have had different experiences--try searching for a couple of threads regarding felt washers on Obligatos and D'Addarios in the strings forum a few months back.

 

[Rimas]

Thanks.. I havent had to install new strings in a while, so I just forgot what they were for...