Players

I do this because I’m a musician. I know the feeling of picking up a new guitar and feeling that inspiration. A G chord no longer sounds just like a G, there’s something different. It’s indescribable really to talk about the feeling when I witness someone I admire having it with one of mine. This page will document only some of the people who either own or have played a Mule.

Kelly Joe Phelps

As a guitar making student in Phoenix, Kelly Joe Phelps was my first exposure to acoustic music. My life quite literally changed, as my focus shifted to building acoustic guitars on my own and at Huss and Dalton, and I began my decade long journey of writing and performing acoustic music. Building an instrument for the person who changed my path will be a highlight of my life.

Hi Matt,

The guitar made it here alright, no problems at all. In fact it was pretty close to being in tune as well. And, shoo-boy, what a stunner!! Such a beautiful thing, Matt! Just wonderful, between the wood choices and the way you’ve finished them, and the great metal-work work. Eeeh yow, I love it, I love it. The shape and size of the neck is awesome, too. My National has a wider fingerboard, but I really like the slimmer profile of the Mule, and particularly the shape of the back of the neck. Now I kinda wish I had a steel-string guitar with that same neck on it. So comfortable in my hands. Yeah; a steel string with the Mule’s neck and a 12 fret joint. That’d be a good feeling guitar. Such a great sounding guitar, I love it. A musician friend of mine, Cahalen Morrison, was over here a few days ago and he played it and loved it, too. Both the sound and the look in equal measure, both awesome. He also (as do I) loved the fact that it was quite literally “The Mule.” We both figured you nailed that one right on the head.
Thank you again for your kindness and generosity, Matt. Sincerely, thank you. I’ll try to give you a call sometime over the week.

Peace and blessings,

Kelly Joe

http://www.kellyjoephelps.net

Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys

My first big concert was a Black Keys show seven years ago at the 930 club in Washington DC. A friend and I drove three hours after work, had our van stolen, ‘chauffeured’ by a police car to our recovered vehicle, used a screwdriver to turn it on (it was damaged during the robbery) went back to the show, got blown away by the intensity and wave of rhythm and awesomeness of it all and went back changed people. That experience, as well as watching their music from Rubber Factory to recently winning three Grammys has been a great story.

http://www.theblackkeys.com

Jay Lapp of The Steel Wheels

The Steel Wheels were another formative band in my acoustic experience. Amazing musicians full of beautiful harmonies and wonderful songs, they are even better people. I am proud to call them dear friends.

“There were many points during their performance that their perfectly executed vocal harmonies or master level musicianship took one’s breath away. They are so much more than words can describe…I believe everyone in our audience will agree that we tasted a little bit of music heaven tonight.

Alan Vajdos Rear Window Listening Room\

http://www.thesteelwheels.com

Oliver Craven of The Stray Birds

I had a hard time figuring out what was different and so enjoyable about listening to The Stray Birds. With songs like ‘Heavy Hands’ and ‘Railroad Man’ I found it was that when I listen to them, I can simply listen and enjoy. My creating mind turns off (finally) and I can just enjoy. Kelly Joe Phelps agrees-“‘I’d not heard the Stray Birds until now, but I’m with you on their music being like a “boat-ride outta here.” Meaning that I totally agree in that, somehow, as soon as that sound fills my ears I forget everything involved in the craft of music and simply float with it. Just fantastic, and I spent another 45 minutes or so watching other videos of them. Yeah, they’re really great. Thanks again for sharing it with me.”

http://www.thestraybirds.com

More amazing players and good friends who have crossed paths with a Mule:

Mark Dalton- www.hussanddalton.com – I can’t say enough about the impact the amazing people at Huss and Dalton had, and continue to have, on my career. Anything I know can be attributed to my time there. I’m very privileged to count them as friends.

marksmall