If he only made 10 a year or so (one man, little production line working) that makes a lot of sense, and the superstar clients must have spread his name in the pre-interweb world. Sort of where Carl Thompson's work would be if it wasn't for the web (and Claypool).
Your comment about intonation doesn't surprise me - its an area where modern production instruments have probably improved a lot. I've got some hand-built instruments where you have accept a compromise...and it never seems to be quite right. Luckily its always in the higher dusty end, so it doesn't bother me.
I'll have to have a look at that web page later, and go bass spotting!