Where are you and what size ukulele do you want. EDIT: OK you want a Tenor. I've bought a custom Tenor in Canberra for less that $1000 but that may not help you
Look for a second hand custom. The market is soft and good deals abound. I say this because the wait time on custom ukes can be months or even years.
I would post a WTB: Custom Tenor thread in the marketplace and specify your location and wood desires.
There is one for sale in the marketplace right now. The builder is Covered Bridge and they are very well received and respected around here. If you don't like the one they have posted for sale here you can naturally order one to your exact specifications, which is a huge part of the fun of getting a custom
I bought a used CB in February, and now am waiting for a new custom from them. You can easily stay under $1,000 -- in fact, I'm not sure if it's possible to get to four figures, unless you asked them to stuff some cash in the sound hole.
Covered Bridge is worth checking out (I had a lovely western red cedar/walnut one). They're neck profile is on the chunkier side, just so you know.
Ono Ukulele is another to check out as he is right about $1,000 before adding options. I have a 16" alaskan yellow cedar/myrtle concert that I love. He does great work for the price point and consistently makes outstanding looking ukes. big fan here.
I would also check out the Kala Elite series. Their Series 1 is in your target range. Really nice values.
Depends on what you mean by "custom" too. Some others to consider would include Loprinzi, Sailor Brand, and Spruce House. Also Cocobolo Ukuleles although they are kind of "unobtainium" right now and not even taking "custom" orders . There's also Bruce Wei.
But I agree with others that you can't go wrong with Covered Bridge here.
In the "Experiences with customs" thread, kohanmike mentioned the customs from Bruce Wei Arts. Prices are < $1,000 (seems like quite a bit less), and kohanmike seems very happy with the custom ukuleles that were made for him.
(I have no experience with Bruce Wei Arts myself.)
I would also recommend Ono Ukuleles. I've met David and I've had the chance to play several of his ukuleles. He's cool and his ukuleles are well-crafted and very playable, and they sound great. I'm hoping to have him build me a baritone ukulele one of these days.
There is one for sale in the marketplace right now. The builder is Covered Bridge and they are very well received and respected around here. If you don't like the one they have posted for sale here you can naturally order one to your exact specifications, which is a huge part of the fun of getting a custom
I was remise to not mention Ono ukuleles as well. The Covered Bridge will keep you under $1000, the Ono at that price or slightly above. I have an Ono16" concert and it is a great instrument which I would highly recommend to anybody.
A lot were affordable at one point. Most have just about doubled in price once word got out around here. Not saying they did not deserve it, just wishing I could still afford them.
In the "Experiences with customs" thread, kohanmike mentioned the customs from Bruce Wei Arts. Prices are < $1,000 (seems like quite a bit less), and kohanmike seems very happy with the custom ukuleles that were made for him.
Yes, I think he does good work for a good price. He has an eBay store with contact for custom builds. I suggest specifying exactly what you want by email and be sure he acknowledges all the details.
I am awaiting a custom from Bruce Wei right now. The time difference makes the communication a little inconvenient, but he is good about responding and answering questions.
Check out Moodyville ukuleles in North Vancouner, BC in Canada. Exchange is good forUS residents. Fantastic ukuleles. Lite and resonant. They make both gypsy style tenor and 8 shape they call Vega tenor. Shelly Park is luthier and makes great instruments. Check out her authentic gypsy style guitars. Verg good reputation. Great to work with. At $1300 CND$ with exchange you are under a grand! I highly recommend and love my Sitka spruce/black walnut gypsy tenor cutaway.