Played a Mule today!

#1 03-22-2019, 12:20 PM

I heard that the local vintage shop had a used Mule single-cone steel resonator in stock, so I went in and took it for a spin today. No way can I justify dropping that kind of coin right now, but what a player!! I A/B'd it with a 1930s National, and it totally held its own. Immaculate construction.

Anyone got one? Pics? Impressions?

SpruceTop · #2 03-22-2019, 01:02 PM

I've wanted a good resonator since seeing Son House play here in Rochester, New York, back in November 1964. Back in the late 1970s, I had an American-made, metal-bodied Dobro that was pretty nice but wanted the National mojo but never followed-up on it. Mule resonators have an excellent reputation and so does Republic. Have you compared Mule to Republic? Given your druthers, would you buy a comparable-model of your choice in a National, Mule or Republic?

#3 03-22-2019, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpruceTop

Have you compared Mule to Republic? Given your druthers, would you buy a comparable-model of your choice in a National, Mule or Republic?

I have owned two Republics -- a tricone and a parlor. Both were of such shoddy construction that I would never even consider buying another.

My National M2, on the other hand, is a wonderful guitar -- flawless in tone, build, and playability. I've long planned to get myself a steel-bodied National NRP one day, but after today's experience, I would be thrilled to have a Mule.

SpruceTop · #4 03-22-2019, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Willie Voltaire

I have owned two Republics -- a tricone and a parlor. Both were of such shoddy construction that I would never even consider buying another.

My National M2, on the other hand, is a wonderful guitar -- flawless in tone, build, and playability. I've long planned to get myself a steel-bodied National NRP one day, but after today's experience, I would be thrilled to have a Mule.

Thanks, Willie! Well, it looks like it comes down to a Mule or a National!

#5 03-22-2019, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpruceTop

Thanks, Willie! Well, it looks like it comes down to a Mule or a National!

Yep -- can't make a bad choice with either!

archerscreek · #6 03-22-2019, 09:22 PM

They sound great in YouTube videos. I think they definitely have a cool vibe. Great name, too. My only issue with Mule is that because they are sold out months in advance and thus charge a high premium for their reso's, National Resophonic seems to have responded with escalated prices as well. Haha. Too many dang people want reso's now. It's driving up the price. Ha.

#7 03-22-2019, 10:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by archerscreek

My only issue with Mule is that because they are sold out months in advance and thus charge a high premium for their reso's, National Resophonic seems to have responded with escalated prices as well. Haha. Too many dang people want reso's now. It's driving up the price. Ha.

Even though a handmade-in-USA resonator costs three grand these days, that's still less than a lot of boutique guitars. For quality, I'd put the guys at NRP and Matt Eich of Mule up against any of them.