Matt Eich founded Mule Resophonics to deliver fresh innovations on resonator design. Mule guitars are resonators with warmth and depth that combine traditional elements with modern features, yet remain easy to play and full of nuance. Mule introduces new resonator sounds that give players a new resonator experience that inspires new songs and new music. With that in mind, it's no surprise so many Mule designs are out of the box. The Mule Mavis approaches the resonator with the feel and functionality of the electric guitar, expanding the resonator range and providing access to new textures and tone colors. The Mavis features a a biscuit-bridge resonator set into the solid body of an electric guitar. The body is compact and ergonomic, and it is loaded with Mule's own Tomthumbucker, a low-output mini humbucker wound in-house by Mule. The magnetic pickup makes the Mavis drop in immediately to your electric rig, while the internal resonator system introduces a distinctive layer of air, compression, and natural reverb that set it apart from traditional solid-body tones. This Mavis was made in approximately 2021, and it features a cutaway body with a carved back and a Maple top. This one was built with upgraded fancy bindings, a tortoise-pattern pickguard, and volume/tone controls for the pickup. The scale length is 25-1/4", and the nut width measures 1-11/16". In practice, this one-pickup guitar is remarkably versatile. It responds well to a light touch, rewarding fingerstyle players with clarity and articulation, while also holding together under heavier attack with a focused, slightly gritty edge. There’s a percussive quality to the note fundamental—an inherent “thump” and bloom—that gives the classic resonator presence, whether played clean or pushed into overdrive. It’s at home in roots-oriented styles, but well suited to push into more experimental contexts. This Mule Mavis is gently used and show some minor play wear, scuffs, and signs of use. The worst are some bumps around the back edge and some hanger yoke on the edges of headstock (see photos). One note: the previous owner is a smoker, so the guitar has a slight tobacco smoke smell that will hopefully fade and become less and less noticeable. Fret wear is minimal, and the current setup is really nice. Low enough of that it's fast and comfortable, but the neck is straight so it can still accommodate a slide. The neck carve has a soft C and feels broken-in, and the overall setup invites long sessions without fatigue. This is a very cool hybrid instrument that could find a home in any guitar quiver. It includes a basic gig bag.
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