stratter said:
You would think. But consider that most (if not all; I'm not a bassist, either) bass strings are wound, and they're wound with relatively heavy wire. If the string winds bump over an obstruction like the nut or a string tree or a bridge saddle, it's going to change intonation fairly dramatically. Means the little rascal won't stay tune for long. If by some miracle you get it in tune, stretching the string by bending or otherwise abusing it, you're going out of tune. Being a bassist, people will make fun of you and call you a Wookie or something. Can't have that.
So... better safe than sorry? Yes. Don't install obstructions. Unless, of course, you have a crummy bass that needs all the help it can get. I know musicians hate to throw money at their instrument that doesn't enhance it's appearance, but a
good setup guy is a wonderful person to know. Help him raise his kids, keep the lights on, etc. You won't be sorry. I can pretty much guarantee it's better for you than it is for him.