You guys should check out Wishbasses, I've never played on, but they look solidly built. The pricing is cheap too, especially for a custom instrument. They seem like a good alternative if this Rondo thing doesn't happen. http://wishbass.com/homewishbasscom.html
I don't know about the prices on the two that I posted, but I emailed cliff at destroy all guitars (Destroy All Guitars - the Boutique Guitar Renaissance has a Home) and he said the dolphin jazz and steel both range from 15-17k. They do not carry the 8 string.
Scharpach Guitars - Grand-Orchestre They also make a 740mm scale acoustic Scharpach Guitars - SLAB Check out the other guitars too. The dolphins are a very interesting design.