HOW IT ALL BEGAN
Archer Guitars CEO Mike Houser


CEO Mike Houser explains how the two got together and how it led to the creation of the K Sulton Signature Bass.

“I have known Kasim for many years. He has performed in many of the bands which I have booked in various organizations I've worked with, including artists like Hall and Oates, Todd Rundgren, Utopia and Meatloaf, along with his solo efforts.

We began working on the “K-bass” project about 14months ago, with the purpose of creating a true artist designed guitar, “field tested” in both the studio and on the road. Kasim is the perfect artist to work with. He has performed on almost 200 albums with sales in excess of 50 million, making him certainly, very credible. Along with his reputation, is his passion for music, and for the K. Sulton Signature Bass.

We wanted to create, together, a very solid, well-thoughtout bass that an artist like Kasim could rely on in a live setting and in the studio. The challenge became, how to make it affordable. Through our combined efforts I think we've done just that. Having Kasim’s direct, daily involvement with the development of the K. Sulton Signature Bass by Archer USA, made the concept and project come to life. Now, we're moving to the final production stage. He will road-test this product on Meat Loaf's 2005 summer tour in Europe and in the states, and when the final modifications are made to Kasim's satisfaction, we will move to manufacturing.”

A Labor of Love


Kasim Sulton is a man of style. When Archer Guitars set about creating a signature bass guitar for him, we worked in tandem to design an instrument that is not only technically excellent, but one that reflects the personality and presence of the artist himself. The K Sulton Signature Bass is a labor of love. Our intent is to create a bass that provides ultimate syle and playability at a reasonable price point. No rush job, The K Sulton is still in development, incorporating constant upgrades and improvements to meet Archer and Kasim Sulton’s demanding standards of excellence. This Road Test is the perfect opportunity to examine the performance of the K Sulton onstage in a professional setting as Kasim tours Europe with multi-platinum recording artist, Meat Loaf.

About the K Sulton Signature Bass

If you’re an experienced player you’ve probably formed a bond with an instrument at one time or another. It becomes a part of you. Of course, looks aren’t everything, but intial attraction is important. You’d be hard pressed to deny that the K Sulton Signature Bass is anything less than stunning to behold. From its rich translucent finish to its alluring soft contours and modern lines, the K Sulton makes a statement before you ever play a note! But, since this is a Road Test, you might ask how the K Sulton performs? After all, you can buy a sleek new sports car that looks great, but if it breaks down and leaves you stranded by the side of the road what good is it? To that extent, we’ve made sure the K Sulton Signature Bass sounds and plays as good as it looks.The sound of the K Sulton is captured by custom "PSL" pickup system designed in conjunction with Kasim for Superior Sound In the studio and live on stage. The PSL (Performance Studio Level) is set in a standard P-Bass/J-Bass configuration for consummate tonal variety and flexibilty. The string-through-body bridge design provides full-bodied tone and the kind of sustain one associates with instruments of the highest quality. Your K Sulton Signature Bass comes outfitted with Elixir Strings which only enhance its incredible sound characteristics. The ash body is amply resonant, yet lightweight enough to afford comfort in gigging situations. This is no boat anchor. The hard maple neck (truss-rod adjustable) and rosewood fingerboard deliver a surprising ease of playability you’ll fall in love with the first time you pick it up!


Integrity

Kasim Sulton continues his incredible career as a bassist, guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, solo artist and most recently as Music Director for Meat Loaf’s current European tour. Kasim has performed live and appeared on recordings with a veritable who’s who of iconic musical artists. It’s safe to say he would not put his name on just any bass that comes along. At Archer, our respect for Kasim Sulton is immense. We are dedicated to producing an instrument that Archer and Kasim are proud to endorse and one that you the musician will be proud to own and play. As this Road Test rolls on, stay with us. Check in frequently and see the steps we take in association with Kasim to make the K Sulton Signature Bass a new and exciting presence on the musical landscape.

At a Glance - see the PHOTO section to view pirctures of the K Sulton Bass



Archer K Sulton Signature Bass ( Final Specs Updated 02/2006 )
Scale Length: 34”
Weight: (TBD)
Body: Ash
Neck: Canadian Hard Maple
Fingerboard: Select Rosewood
Width at Nut: 40mm
Number of Frets: 24
Finish: Translucent Polyurethane
String Spacing at Bridge: 20mm
Pickups: Custom "PSL" system
Inlay: Abalone Signature “K” on Headstock; Abalone Inset on 12th fret with Kasim Sulton Signature.

• String-Through Body Bridge Design
• Set Neck
• Custom KSulton Bridge
• Adjustable Truss Rod
• Elixir Strings
• One-Year Warranty

Retail Price: US $699.99 Special Introductory Price US $499.99

ORDER IT NOW


 
 

To me, the K. Sulton Signature Bass is the perfect 'next logical step' in my career. This guitar means so much to me. It has a certain understated grace to it. It's cool, it's black, it's not 'flash.' It's substance. And ... it's a beautiful instrument.
-Kasim Sulton


IT IS FANTASIC! I love my new KSULTON bass. Looks great, easy to play and sounds like thunder. It arrived late Friday afternoon and in no time, we were the best of friends. I instantly became comfortable with this bass; there was no need to bring a backup to the gig Saturday night. I received many compliments from the soundman and other band mates on my new sound and making the stage quake.

Archer’s craftsmanship, along with your VALUABLE input and talent, has giving birth to a high quality bass guitar at very affordable price. I am a Kasim fan from way back and I did not buy this bass as a collector. I will play this bass; it is my new main ax.
-A Happy Kasim Customer
 
Links