Don't try and pull the wool over her eyes, that bamboo rod will become hers in the divorce settlement!!!
There are plenty of makers out there selling rods for under $1000.00 Might wait a bit tot get it, but it'll be orth it. There are blanks available in the $200-$300 range and for less than $100 you can buy the components to build it out. Mike Brooks sells complete kits for $550.00, everything from the blank to the thread to the finish. About the same price as a good graphite rod. Or you can burn a little plastic(Sell a graphite or two) and supplement the cost.
Pete