Is there any way to figure out what kind of strings are on my bass?

[Dick Tree]

I took a three year break from playing bass. I'm really starting to get back into the instrument again and I haven't changed my strings. I don't really want to change them (I like to keep them until they break... they've been in for about 8 years), but is there any way to tell what kind I have? I know that they're roundwounds... but that's all I can tell you. I like these strings, so I'd like to buy them in the case that my current strings break. I just can't remember at all.

[Floyd Eye]

Use a micrometer and check the gauges. Sometimes that can narrow it down. If they play and sound fine, don't worry about it. I can't imagine 8 year old rounds sounding worth a crap though.

Blue Steels and Rotos are about $20 a set and sound awesome.

[Stilettoprefer]

Is there some kind of colored wrapping around the end close to the tuning peg? Colored hoops at the bottom where they come enter your bridge?