So what's the price on the Starfire II?
What I've read on TB is that the new Guild Bisonics aren't up to snuff compared to Hammons, but nothing definitive from anyone who actually did a side by side comparison either using test or equipment or installing both in the same bass and recording. My guess is they're probably close enough, especially for the price.
On a happy note I sold my Hammon Darkstar on Talk Bass for $300 in about 4 hours last month. I seriously thought about buying that JS II that was available a few weeks ago to harvest its Hammons but have enough on my plate.
Very seriously doubt that Guild, FMIC or anyone else consulted Hammon on the current Bisonics...pickups aren't rocket science, especially to people who design and manufacture them. Novaks production does look a little cleaner then Hammon's