MULE

Following a long stint at Huss and Dalton guitars in Virginia, Matt Eich discovered a passion for crafting resonator guitars, and thus began the Mule line. As Matt enthusiastically states on his website, there is something powerfully evocative about the tone of a resonator guitar, such that many songwriters find them to be a wellspring of inspiration or a silver-bullet-magic-elixir for a stubborn patch of writer’s block. As is true of many small production guitar companies, the Mule design pays homage to a well-established and respected vintage precedent while also addressing known issues with the original designs, all with the demands of modern players in mind. The option of a cutaway along with its halved f-hole, or the addition of a magnetic pickup, or even the cool distressed body finish are all good examples of Matt Eich’s modernizing touches. However, for those of us who have openly sworn at resonators while working on them the less sexy enhancements are just as appreciated! In particular, the elongated arms of the trapeze tailpiece create a better break angle for the strings as they pass over the bridge—yay!!! But, other features like a removable bridge cover and a well-seated cone system that reduces rattle are also long-overdue improvements (of course one must concede that a little rattle is par for the course with most resonators).

From a playing perspective, this Mule is very well-balanced physically and one readily notices the comfort of the more rounded body bevel. The figured maple neck has a modestly beefy V carve that is reminiscent of a modern National, but perhaps a little more rounded—in either case the modern necks channel old school V feel with less overall depth, making them much more comfortable for contemporary players. Meanwhile, as one would expect from a great tricone, this guitar has a firm and focused voice, with a pleasingly prominent midrange. By contrast, the typical single cone has a broader frequency response (particularly in the bass), more mid-range scoop, and a more brash percussive voice. Though its dynamic range might not quite rival that of a single cone, this tricone is still plenty loud! Moreover, the greater degree of clarity and balance generated by the small cone array translate to a vocal refinement that is quite inspiring. Of course, when plugged-in the guitar can take on any dimension the player might divine, but it is otherwise safe to say that Matt Eich has safely accomplished his goal of making resonators for acoustic guitar players. 

Cosmetic Condition:

This guitar was meticulously cared for by its previous owner and as such shows practically no signs of play wear. We would consider it to be in EXCELLENT + to LIKE NEW condition.

• Steel Tricone Body

• Black Polished Steel Finish

• Quartersawn Maple Neck

• Soft V Neck Carve

• Ebony Fingerboard

• Satin Oil Neck Finish

• Dot Inlays

• Inlaid Mother of Pearl “Mule” Peghead Logo

• Gotoh Open Gear Tuners

• Mule Humbucker Neck Pickup

• Tricone T Bridge with Aluminum Biscuit

• Bone Nut

• 1.75” Nut Width

• 25” Scale Length

• Original Case