Mule

Number 500. FIVE. HUNDRED. Thanks to all you Mule people- the joy of this work is being part of your stories and music. It’s incredibly inspirational for us and it feels big. The collection of stories is my pride and joy. Towards the beginning of Mule I received three pieces of advice that have guided me out of basement shops. First was in Bob Taylor’s book - “Quantity is just as important as quality. “ Challenging eh? It forces balance - be careful your ego doesn’t get in the way of getting inspirational tools to people. The second was “What’s your end game?” This is one of the first questions we business owners should ask but rarely do. If you don’t have an idea what you want it to look like and what the reality (numbers) your future decisions are arbitrary. The third is one I share with my football players - Don’t be Clever Be Strong. Sure you can work smarter but the big stuff is all heart. We keep the 100’s #1 - made in a closet with a plumbing torch never having cut a piece of metal or seeing a Resonator. #100 - the last guitar made in the basement shop, a fiddle edge, brass edges hammered around a wire. #200- our first electric guitar and homemade pick ups. #300 - got skipped, dark days. #400 - our first powdercoated Mule. #500 - a Tricone with a pick up, this style of resonator made our business. also pictured, our first Mulecaster, the guitar played on stage with Adele, @charlie.parr ‘s paintings and my first “shop” - a closet. #thenewsoundofsteel #dontbecleverbestrong

-Matt