[quote name='john_the_bass' post='131095' date='Jan 31 2008, 06:58 AM']spend the extra on a set of strings that will feel better, sound better and last longer - you won't replace them as often either, i bet.[/quote]
+1 The younger me wouldn't have entertained the idea of spending anything like £30 on a set of strings, but these days whenever I get a new bass I put a set of TI jazz flats on. I've been using them for five years now and once they're on I haven't needed to change them on any of my basses.