Felt Cushioning Washers for String Ball Ends (Set of Four)

Some string sets come with 'em, some don't. These felt washers, when included, are (presumably) meant to help prevent the metal ball ends of the strings from scratching/scarring the back of your wooden tailpiece over time.

It may also help with ball end fitment - some strings get very thick just before the ball end, and if the slots in your tailpiece are narrow, it can be difficult to seat the ball end. This washer might provide a little extra elevation of the ball end away from the tailpiece surface, so the thinner "tail" can fit more comfortably into the slot.

Additionally, some players claim:

• that they help reduce a common site for buzzing issues, where the ball end contacts the tailpiece
• that they act as a "tone filter," which can impart a subtle tonal difference to the sound
• that they provide just a little bit of added "resilience" to the string tension, making the strings play a little "softer"

Personally, I don't subscribe to these particular claims - as far as I'm concerned, they're just a nicety to help prevent long term degradation on the back of the tailpiece. 

I've been asked for many years about making them available to purchase, and I found these - they're actually a little thicker than others I've found - about 1/4" thick - but they're durable and a low-profile gray color.

Sold as a set of four.