Rik,
Welcome aboard. We've had a number of posts on New Hartford Guilds. They've been producing the D-55 model for a few months now. One of our LTGers went on a factory tour and got to see the first of the F-body jumbos being built. So, I think we know for a fact now that D-55, D-50, and F-50 production is underway.
None of these comes anywhere near the $1000 price realm you're talking about.
I should note to you that the DV-4 and DV-6 models are now being produced in Ensenada, Mexico, and these might be closer to that ball park. From a few accounts, they're very good.