Considering Curtis Novak will build u either a Bisonic or Dark Star pup, or a combination of the 2, or really anything you ask for, by hand, brand new, and even has ones to fit Gibsons and Fenders, for what will likely amount to well under $299 a piece...I'd have a hard time considering any purchase of any pre-owned Dark Star for any more than that. The customer feedback and artist endorsements speak for themselves, and it almost seems as if maybe an unofficial torch may have been passed from Fred to Curtis, with regard to the Dark Star pup.
Also Noteworthy is the Nusonic pup which has gotten some fantastic reviews and the sound clip on the website sounds fantastic as well. Nusonic also appears to have Fender sizing and 5 string options. Nusonic might be a good option for those located in Europe, as well as the states and beyond. I suppose the same can be said for Novak. Both seem to be hand built custom orders that will not be flooding any market in any mass quantities. Compared to the price and availability of a used Dark star, I would value a Novak or Nusonic equally, once it were actually in my hands. Anyone that needs one of these pups that hasn't ordered one yet, not sure what you are waiting for.
The third option is the Newark Street bass. The "Bisonic reissue" pup is fantastic, as is the instrument as a whole. Again, will not be available in unlimited mass quantities, but thankfully enough of them have have been made to this point, to keep the Dark Star market at least stable for where it is, and has been. At some point a used Newark Street bass becomes an option, which will hold some strong value, but in used condition could start to flirt down towards the $795 number that this thread has become the subject of.
