Framebuilders - Typical Pricing -- Custom Frame

Although I probably can't afford it...

Is it possible to say what would be a typical price to pay for a custom made frame? In Reynolds 531? In some other cromoly steel? In aluminum? I'm asking frame only. No components. No fork. Just frame (painted, please).

I ask because I am coming to the realization that probably I'm never going to find an off-the shelf bike made by anybody which fits my unusual body. In another thread (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=233314) on hand pain, I've learned that my combination of short legs and long upper torso probably means that I can't stand over any frame with a top tube long enough for me and any top tube long enough, I can't stand over without platform shoes. So... I'm wondering just how expensive a custom frame would be. To make the comparison easiest, I'm asking for frame-only prices. I realize that there must be great variation in pricing as there is in design, but I don't know if custom frames start at $500 or $5000. Maybe, just maybe I can start with a frame which will fit me, plus inpensive components, then upgrade components through the years. If it helps any, I'm looking for a long wheelbase touring frame with plent of brazeons and eyelets.

You're pretty close - 500 - 5000 is actually the price range for custom frames.

Far be it for me to question what other builders charge, but I'm generally of the opinion that you need 1000 USD as a starting point for a TIG'd custom frame, give-or-take. Lugged a bit more - about 1500 as a starting point.

It's true there are cheaper custom frames out there, but from a good business practices, good judgement and good industry standards perspective, any less and from where I'm sitting a custom bike company won't have the added capital to improve their lineage, won't have the time to give you the service I personally think the customer should expect, and is generally lowering the standards of what customers should expect which is bad for the industry as a whole.

That's a lot to take in, but I feel I have to justify what I'm saying or otherwise I'm just plucking a number out of the sky. I'm sure others will disagree, but that's just what the sums and my experience as a professional tell me to be correct.

Now, as to your situation, it's common for people to have short inseams and longer torso-arms. Custom may be the only solution to your fit issues, so my recommendation is definitely consider a custom if you can swing it, because there's nothing worse than having to ride a bike that's too big for you just so you can get the reach sorted.
A good custom frame could potentially last you 10+ years, so compromising on some of the parts, or upgrading only when they wear out is a completely viable option. If you look at it as a long-term investment, it starts to make more sense than spending the next 10 years hopping from ill-fitting bike to ill-fitting bike.

Hope that helps!

531 is a cheap material; I would say $1,000-1,200 with single color paint.