So I called Don's Music City in Burlington, NC. They confirmed that they've had electric basses, electric guitars and even acoustic guitars made for them since the 1970s. The kid I spoke with on the phone didn't know many details so gave me Don's email address and I sent him the pics.
I'll be interested to know what he comes back with. My gut feeling is that with the brass nut, brass bridge and what looks like neck through construction, this thing might be a real sleeper, perhaps not unlike the Curlee basses.
Stand by for more info.