How to tell string type

[cssbass]

I bought my Jazz from Rudy's (best guitar store in NYC) in the winter of 2010, and I know the bass guy there put some strings on it. I'm pretty sure they were Ernie Ball's.

Since I bought it, I've been thinking they were roundwounds, but I just realized I actually have no idea! Is there a way I can tell if they are rounds or flats?

 

[FunkMetalBass]

Rounds vs Flats is easy. Here's a profile view of the types of strings:

Very likely you have rounds.

As far as determining brand... that's a much more difficult task.

 

[Ric5]

I bought my Jazz from Rudy's (best guitar store in NYC) in the winter of 2010, and I know the bass guy there put some strings on it. I'm pretty sure they were Ernie Ball's.

Since I bought it, I've been thinking they were roundwounds, but I just realized I actually have no idea! Is there a way I can tell if they are rounds or flats?

Roundwounds have ridges

 

[Gorn]

As far as determining brand... that's a much more difficult task.

But not impossible, and always interesting... to me anyway. In my experience, guitar shops generally equip basses with daddario nickels. Are the ball ends black, green, red and blue with no silks at either end?

 

[mrbell321]

Agreed. The color(or lack of) silk and the ball end shape and color can point to a maker. However, I don't have a list, but I'm sure it could be searched out...

 

[chuck norriss]

I bought my Jazz from Rudy's (best guitar store in NYC) in the winter of 2010, and I know the bass guy there put some strings on it. I'm pretty sure they were Ernie Ball's.

Since I bought it, I've been thinking they were roundwounds, but I just realized I actually have no idea! Is there a way I can tell if they are rounds or flats?

Ask the guy who put the strings on.
Or take pics & post here I'll bet you'll have an answer in 5min.
Flats feel smooth; rounds feel like cables.