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Curtis Novak's Darkstar bisonic pickup...

#41
Oh wow, didn't see you can get them in two different windings. I remember telling you I had a real set. Guess I was lucky getting the higher windings.
As for the magnets, when I pass a compass over it, one faces north and the other south. Thought for sure they would have the same polarity.
Now that I know what to look for in magnets, the Bisonics have a rough grainy appearance and couldn't get a continuity reading. With the new Darkstars, the magnets are smooth and shiney, you get the readings. Which makes sense being Al-Ni-Co.
 
#42
It was not luck, you told me you were matching this up with a vintage so I knew enough to do it at the higher reisitance.
Yes those rough magnets are casted Alnico if you scrap them with a file or a knife to get past the wax, and gunk you will hit metal and they will get a reading.
Ceramic magnets are always very smooth and do not oxidize.
 
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#44
Wagz said:
For anyone complaining about a $275 list price on a set of pickups, try winding one yourself. It's a lot of work, and that doesn't even get into the absolutely beautiful job he's done with the tooling on these... absolutely gorgeous.
Curtis Novak is making great tones from the past available today and should be commended. He should do an Ovation Magnum neck pickup next!
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+1
 
#45
Anyone out there have difficulty wiring their Darkstar? I have seemingly tried everything (even purchased a new wiring harness from Bayou) and am getting zero output from my pickup. I guess I am going to surrender and take it to a professional tech... its just so frustrating.
 
#48
mjac28 said:
If you want to recreate something do it right no short cuts and all of those little things are directed toward quality that's why they sound so good but once again it's your wallet your choice.
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That was actually my point: that much of the cost goes towards tooling/machining, and (furthermore) that a $275 pickup won't necessarily be four times "better" than a $70 pickup. I wasn't, however, disparaging these at all and, in fact, pointed out Curtis's excellent reputation.
 
#49
nobody is twisting anybody's arm..... a hand made pickup will always be much more expensive that a mass produced one. Supply and demand 101. if nobody thinks they are worth 275 than Curtis either stops making them or he lowers the price. Seeing the almost cult status Dark Stars had reached I see these selling just fine. Trying to figure out what bass i want one (or 2) for so i can order.....
 
#52
Mugwump said:
You should probably do that. Yeah, do it.
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Haha yeah I'm waiting to hear from the guy who posted this:
e7arygur.jpg
 
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