Budget or affordable custom MUSA frames?

[elliott]

Just curious about current framebuilders who are very competitive with their pricing. I've got a friend who could use a frame built to his spec but cannot afford the starting price of many options. Right away I start talking about Paul Sadoff and how there are no other options for many reasons. I'm still working hard on that but in the meantime I'd like to give some attention to new "up and coming" framebuilders than might have lower starting prices based on less testimonals, experience, etc.

Buddy needs a tig welded cx steel frame with custom geometry. Only fancy option he mentioned was hinged dropouts for potential single speed use. Dude works off an hourly LBS wage so cannot afford the best. I'm looking for suggestions for new or lesser known builders who's current frame pricing is in the $1000-1500 ballpark.