Pete:

You might want to pose your question on Bass Chat UK. They even have a lefty marketplace section. Maybe there's something there you're interested in that you could make arrangements with a UK seller to meet up?:

http://basschat.co.uk/

In my experience there are no UK-specific imported brands that would fall under your price point that are either worth it or couldn't already get in the states for less, and the likelihood you actually find a physical lefty somewhere is slim as well. I see brands like Chord and Westfield availlable there, but they appear to be basically Asian import P and J knockoffs like dozens of other companies.

Hi Pete,

As a Brit who relocated to the US in early 2001, I can give you my 5 cents / pence . PJ is right - in my early years, you were lucky to see a lefty anywhere. I found a basic Aria pro 2 and was happy to have something the right way around. Generally, it's the same major brands for new gear, but the price is almost the same in pounds as you'd pay in dollars, so you will be hurting. Here's an example:

http://www.guitarguitar.co.uk/bass_guit ... ry=GUBA_lh

I'd grab a copy of Bass Guitar Magazine from the Airport/ train station when you land. It will keep you entertained and generally has a lot of UK stuff reviewed in it, in addition to the stuff you see everywhere else. (you can get the mag digitally on the iphone/ipad if you prefer).

This guy has some crazy stuff:

http://www.andybaxterbass.com/

Mostly righty however

These guys have a few tasty lefties:

http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar ... itars.html

They are in Warwick, however, so it's a bit of a train ride from York, but very doable (its about 120 miles, so a day trip).

For used gear in the UK, I've had good luck finding stuff on:

http://www.gumtree.com/search?q=left+ha ... max_price=

although I have not purchased anything BTW.

Happy hunting!

Cheers,
Dave