GASing... but for what?

Hey guys, It's been a little while since I've been around these parts. In the next 2-3 months i'll be considering upgrading my bass a bit. Right now i'm using a Schector Stilleto Elite 5 as my main bass, I love it. But I'd like a more 'pretty' bass, and upgrade the sound a bit as well. I love the multi-wood conklins and Foderas, but I know those are out of my price range. I was wondering if I could get some input from you guys. Is Nino still producing those great basses? I remember his were more Sadowskyesque, but I could see what could be done.
The sound I have and would like to keep is a very "Tal Wilkenfeld" type sound. That's like the closest I could find to describe it. A clean, thick sound.
As far as my budget, I'd like to go from $1,000 - $1,500.
Thanks guys!

 

So any suggestions? ... I MAY be able to raise it up to around 2k.

 

I was thinking that, but the metro's that I've been seeing are in the 2.5k price range... or am I confusing them with the NYCs? ... and other thing that is keeping me from getting a sadkowsky, is the 6-8 month wait. So I'll probably end up going used, and waiting till I find what i want.