The Hobo Fiddle DIY Kit by "Boxcar" Ben Gitty

Cigar Box Guitar Hinge CBG Tailpiece - Choose 3 or 4-String

I built this kit but changed a few things. I didn’t use the tuners that came with the kit. Instead I installed some spare tuners of different colors to give it a more interesting look.

Marion, IN, USA

Instrument Build

Cigar Box Guitar Hinge CBG Tailpiece - Choose 3 or 4-String

I built this kit but changed a few things. I didn’t use the tuners that came with the kit. Instead I installed some spare tuners of different colors to give it a more interesting look.

Marion, IN, USA

Instrument Build

Cigar Box Guitar Hinge CBG Tailpiece - Choose 3 or 4-String

I built this kit but changed a few things. I didn’t use the tuners that came with the kit. Instead I installed some spare tuners of different colors to give it a more interesting look.

Marion, IN, USA

Instrument Build

The Hobo Fiddle DIY Kit by "Boxcar" Ben Gitty

Lots of fun to build. Very good instructions. I used a light stain where the lettering and on the fret board. Darker stain every where else. I love the look of it.

Carrot River, SK, Canada

Instrument Build

The Hobo Fiddle DIY Kit by "Boxcar" Ben Gitty

This was a fun little project. I decided to use a router to do my headstock and lid recesses. Slipped a little and had to use a little wood filler to fill in some holes in the headstock and part of the tailpiece. Then I made the mistake of only eyeballing the measurements for my sound holes. That left one of my holes right smack under the leg of my bridge. So, a little more wood filler, some more accurate measurements, and I had new holes that weren’t covered up. I used an espresso stain on the neck, back, and sides. I used an Ipswich pine stain for the front. I put a little espresso on the wood filler on the front of the box. The espresso made the wood filler in the headstock and tailpiece look like knots in the wood, which I really like. I think it makes the train look like it’s throwing puffs of smoke on the front of the box. So, I was actually able to hide my mistakes. Lol. I did have a bit of trouble mounting the string retainer at the top, by the headstock. I just couldn’t get a drill bit in to drill the pilot holes and then I didn’t have a skinny enough screwdriver to be able to get at the screws from a straight line. So, that part turned out kind of wonky, but it works. I think I probably should have put more of the neck out the bottom of the box because the fretboard doesn’t go all the way to the body. But, I don’t mind if. I love how it ultimately turned out. The action is perfect. It plays kind of quiet, but that’s good. I won’t scare my neighbors with my horrible playing. I’m a history buff and there’s something kind of fascinating about hobos. Perhaps someone built something like this to accompany their adventures, long ago on a train bound for the next stop.

Colorado Springs, CO, USA

Instrument Build

The Hobo Fiddle DIY Kit by "Boxcar" Ben Gitty

This was a fun little project. I decided to use a router to do my headstock and lid recesses. Slipped a little and had to use a little wood filler to fill in some holes in the headstock and part of the tailpiece. Then I made the mistake of only eyeballing the measurements for my sound holes. That left one of my holes right smack under the leg of my bridge. So, a little more wood filler, some more accurate measurements, and I had new holes that weren’t covered up. I used an espresso stain on the neck, back, and sides. I used an Ipswich pine stain for the front. I put a little espresso on the wood filler on the front of the box. The espresso made the wood filler in the headstock and tailpiece look like knots in the wood, which I really like. I think it makes the train look like it’s throwing puffs of smoke on the front of the box. So, I was actually able to hide my mistakes. Lol. I did have a bit of trouble mounting the string retainer at the top, by the headstock. I just couldn’t get a drill bit in to drill the pilot holes and then I didn’t have a skinny enough screwdriver to be able to get at the screws from a straight line. So, that part turned out kind of wonky, but it works. I think I probably should have put more of the neck out the bottom of the box because the fretboard doesn’t go all the way to the body. But, I don’t mind if. I love how it ultimately turned out. The action is perfect. It plays kind of quiet, but that’s good. I won’t scare my neighbors with my horrible playing. I’m a history buff and there’s something kind of fascinating about hobos. Perhaps someone built something like this to accompany their adventures, long ago on a train bound for the next stop.

Colorado Springs, CO, USA

Instrument Build

The Hobo Fiddle DIY Kit by "Boxcar" Ben Gitty

This was a fun little project. I decided to use a router to do my headstock and lid recesses. Slipped a little and had to use a little wood filler to fill in some holes in the headstock and part of the tailpiece. Then I made the mistake of only eyeballing the measurements for my sound holes. That left one of my holes right smack under the leg of my bridge. So, a little more wood filler, some more accurate measurements, and I had new holes that weren’t covered up. I used an espresso stain on the neck, back, and sides. I used an Ipswich pine stain for the front. I put a little espresso on the wood filler on the front of the box. The espresso made the wood filler in the headstock and tailpiece look like knots in the wood, which I really like. I think it makes the train look like it’s throwing puffs of smoke on the front of the box. So, I was actually able to hide my mistakes. Lol. I did have a bit of trouble mounting the string retainer at the top, by the headstock. I just couldn’t get a drill bit in to drill the pilot holes and then I didn’t have a skinny enough screwdriver to be able to get at the screws from a straight line. So, that part turned out kind of wonky, but it works. I think I probably should have put more of the neck out the bottom of the box because the fretboard doesn’t go all the way to the body. But, I don’t mind if. I love how it ultimately turned out. The action is perfect. It plays kind of quiet, but that’s good. I won’t scare my neighbors with my horrible playing. I’m a history buff and there’s something kind of fascinating about hobos. Perhaps someone built something like this to accompany their adventures, long ago on a train bound for the next stop.

Colorado Springs, CO, USA

Instrument Build

The Hobo Fiddle DIY Kit by "Boxcar" Ben Gitty

This was a fun little project. I decided to use a router to do my headstock and lid recesses. Slipped a little and had to use a little wood filler to fill in some holes in the headstock and part of the tailpiece. Then I made the mistake of only eyeballing the measurements for my sound holes. That left one of my holes right smack under the leg of my bridge. So, a little more wood filler, some more accurate measurements, and I had new holes that weren’t covered up. I used an espresso stain on the neck, back, and sides. I used an Ipswich pine stain for the front. I put a little espresso on the wood filler on the front of the box. The espresso made the wood filler in the headstock and tailpiece look like knots in the wood, which I really like. I think it makes the train look like it’s throwing puffs of smoke on the front of the box. So, I was actually able to hide my mistakes. Lol. I did have a bit of trouble mounting the string retainer at the top, by the headstock. I just couldn’t get a drill bit in to drill the pilot holes and then I didn’t have a skinny enough screwdriver to be able to get at the screws from a straight line. So, that part turned out kind of wonky, but it works. I think I probably should have put more of the neck out the bottom of the box because the fretboard doesn’t go all the way to the body. But, I don’t mind if. I love how it ultimately turned out. The action is perfect. It plays kind of quiet, but that’s good. I won’t scare my neighbors with my horrible playing. I’m a history buff and there’s something kind of fascinating about hobos. Perhaps someone built something like this to accompany their adventures, long ago on a train bound for the next stop.

Colorado Springs, CO, USA

Instrument Build

The Hobo Fiddle DIY Kit by "Boxcar" Ben Gitty

This was a fun little project. I decided to use a router to do my headstock and lid recesses. Slipped a little and had to use a little wood filler to fill in some holes in the headstock and part of the tailpiece. Then I made the mistake of only eyeballing the measurements for my sound holes. That left one of my holes right smack under the leg of my bridge. So, a little more wood filler, some more accurate measurements, and I had new holes that weren’t covered up. I used an espresso stain on the neck, back, and sides. I used an Ipswich pine stain for the front. I put a little espresso on the wood filler on the front of the box. The espresso made the wood filler in the headstock and tailpiece look like knots in the wood, which I really like. I think it makes the train look like it’s throwing puffs of smoke on the front of the box. So, I was actually able to hide my mistakes. Lol. I did have a bit of trouble mounting the string retainer at the top, by the headstock. I just couldn’t get a drill bit in to drill the pilot holes and then I didn’t have a skinny enough screwdriver to be able to get at the screws from a straight line. So, that part turned out kind of wonky, but it works. I think I probably should have put more of the neck out the bottom of the box because the fretboard doesn’t go all the way to the body. But, I don’t mind if. I love how it ultimately turned out. The action is perfect. It plays kind of quiet, but that’s good. I won’t scare my neighbors with my horrible playing. I’m a history buff and there’s something kind of fascinating about hobos. Perhaps someone built something like this to accompany their adventures, long ago on a train bound for the next stop.

Colorado Springs, CO, USA

Instrument Build

The Hobo Fiddle DIY Kit by "Boxcar" Ben Gitty

This was a fun little project. I decided to use a router to do my headstock and lid recesses. Slipped a little and had to use a little wood filler to fill in some holes in the headstock and part of the tailpiece. Then I made the mistake of only eyeballing the measurements for my sound holes. That left one of my holes right smack under the leg of my bridge. So, a little more wood filler, some more accurate measurements, and I had new holes that weren’t covered up. I used an espresso stain on the neck, back, and sides. I used an Ipswich pine stain for the front. I put a little espresso on the wood filler on the front of the box. The espresso made the wood filler in the headstock and tailpiece look like knots in the wood, which I really like. I think it makes the train look like it’s throwing puffs of smoke on the front of the box. So, I was actually able to hide my mistakes. Lol. I did have a bit of trouble mounting the string retainer at the top, by the headstock. I just couldn’t get a drill bit in to drill the pilot holes and then I didn’t have a skinny enough screwdriver to be able to get at the screws from a straight line. So, that part turned out kind of wonky, but it works. I think I probably should have put more of the neck out the bottom of the box because the fretboard doesn’t go all the way to the body. But, I don’t mind if. I love how it ultimately turned out. The action is perfect. It plays kind of quiet, but that’s good. I won’t scare my neighbors with my horrible playing. I’m a history buff and there’s something kind of fascinating about hobos. Perhaps someone built something like this to accompany their adventures, long ago on a train bound for the next stop.

Colorado Springs, CO, USA

Instrument Build

The Hobo Fiddle DIY Kit by "Boxcar" Ben Gitty

This is my first cigar box guitar and i loved building it. I will be trying my hand at making one of my own creations in the near future.

Sault Ste. Marie, ON, Canada

Instrument Build

The Hobo Fiddle DIY Kit by "Boxcar" Ben Gitty

Kit was perfect. My woodworking tools, not so much. Used a 1” chisel for the neck pocket after my router died.

Brookline, NH, USA

Instrument Build

The Hobo Fiddle DIY Kit by "Boxcar" Ben Gitty

Turns out all my saws suck!!! Amazing what you can do with a 1” chisel and sanding block. Plays great. On to the next project.

Brookline, NH, USA

Instrument Build

The Hobo Fiddle DIY Kit by "Boxcar" Ben Gitty

It was simple to build.

Hoyt, KS, USA

Other

4pc. Chrome Adjustable Indie Bass Guitar Bridges, "Snake Oil" Mini Humbucking Pickups - Choose Color & Pre-wired Options, The Hobo Fiddle DIY Kit by "Boxcar" Ben Gitty

I wanted a 3-string electric bass uke that I can travel with. The 17” scale of the hobo fiddle is half the 34” scale of a regular bass, so that got me thinking. I wanted the instrument to use regular bass strings without cutting, so I concocted this design with the strings wrapping around the body.

Sherbrooke, QC, Canada

Instrument Build

4pc. Chrome Adjustable Indie Bass Guitar Bridges, "Snake Oil" Mini Humbucking Pickups - Choose Color & Pre-wired Options, The Hobo Fiddle DIY Kit by "Boxcar" Ben Gitty

I wanted a 3-string electric bass uke that I can travel with. The 17” scale of the hobo fiddle is half the 34” scale of a regular bass, so that got me thinking. I wanted the instrument to use regular bass strings without cutting, so I concocted this design with the strings wrapping around the body.

Sherbrooke, QC, Canada

Instrument Build

4pc. Chrome Adjustable Indie Bass Guitar Bridges, "Snake Oil" Mini Humbucking Pickups - Choose Color & Pre-wired Options, The Hobo Fiddle DIY Kit by "Boxcar" Ben Gitty

I wanted a 3-string electric bass uke that I can travel with. The 17” scale of the hobo fiddle is half the 34” scale of a regular bass, so that got me thinking. I wanted the instrument to use regular bass strings without cutting, so I concocted this design with the strings wrapping around the body.

Sherbrooke, QC, Canada

Instrument Build

The Hobo Fiddle DIY Kit by "Boxcar" Ben Gitty

I had a little trouble with the cut outs because I’m not strong at using a coping saw, but was otherwise grateful for not needing to make all the parts. ?

Instrument Build

The Hobo Fiddle DIY Kit by "Boxcar" Ben Gitty

Now, all I have to do is learn how to play it.

Other

The Hobo Fiddle DIY Kit by "Boxcar" Ben Gitty

Now, all I have to do is learn how to play it.

Other

The Hobo Fiddle DIY Kit by "Boxcar" Ben Gitty

Finished my third C.B. Gitty kit Yesterday. Their Hobo Fiddle. Quick one day build. Colorized the logo with watercolor pencils, finished with walnut stain then a clear coat of satin nitrocellulose lacquer. Love it!

Lititz, PA

Instrument Build

The Hobo Fiddle DIY Kit by "Boxcar" Ben Gitty

Finished my third C.B. Gitty kit Yesterday. Their Hobo Fiddle. Quick one day build. Colorized the logo with watercolor pencils, finished with walnut stain then a clear coat of satin nitrocellulose lacquer. Love it!

Lititz, PA

Instrument Build

The Hobo Fiddle DIY Kit by "Boxcar" Ben Gitty

Used a different box and D'Addario EXP17 strings. Had to modify the longer box to fit the 17" fretboard. Used the the neck that came with the kit. Lower the bridge to get the action heigth I wanted. Sounds and plays great.

Oakman, AL, USA

Instrument Build

The Hobo Fiddle DIY Kit by "Boxcar" Ben Gitty, "Tin Pan Alley" 3-String Paint Can Resonator Guitar Kit, The Mountain Tenor Acoustic DIY Box Guitar Kit - Choose 3 or 4-string, "DeltaBucker" 4-string Rosewood Cigar Box Guitar Humbucker Pickup pre-wired with Jack - No Soldering!, 3-pack 20mm Piezos with Leads, Standard 1/4-inch Mono Guitar Jacks - Choose Finish & Pack Size

I have completed 3 C. B. Gitty kits to date. They are the Mountain Tenor, the Hobo Fiddle, and the Tin Pan Alley. As I set the 3 of them up for a family picture, I realized all 3 were acoustic kits that I converted to electric. I also added a headstock decoration on all 3. I really like all of them. They're completely different but each is great in their own way.

Dallas, TX, USA

Instrument Build

The Hobo Fiddle DIY Kit by "Boxcar" Ben Gitty

I liked the concept. With the fretted neck and 17” scale. Although the cherry and tobacco vignette ones looked great, I figured I’d try my hand at coloring it. Decided not to use Watco or Minwax oil stains ... because I wanted to use acrylics and a clear acrylic coat. So, I got black walnuts out of my neighbor’s yard. Then used the “water” from the husks to stain it. I thought walnut was brown! But it came out a yellowish color. As it dried, more brown showed up. It really brought out the grain on the poplar neck! Maybe next time I will see how the oak fretboard reacts to the walnut. I had photos of some famous 4-4-0 locomotives, but decided not to paint it bright. So I put a lot of water in my paints and used “washes” of color. The brownish color on either side of the circle was because of an early version Ben Gitty made with straight brown lines in those areas. So I mixed a brown wash, applied it, then when it was sort of dry, I rubbed it with more fresh walnut husks. I finally decided to quit messing with the locomotive .. and just sprayed on the clear matte finish. And there you have it.

Marion, IL, USA

Instrument Build

The Hobo Fiddle DIY Kit by "Boxcar" Ben Gitty

I liked the concept. With the fretted neck and 17” scale. Although the cherry and tobacco vignette ones looked great, I figured I’d try my hand at coloring it. Decided not to use Watco or Minwax oil stains ... because I wanted to use acrylics and a clear acrylic coat. So, I got black walnuts out of my neighbor’s yard. Then used the “water” from the husks to stain it. I thought walnut was brown! But it came out a yellowish color. As it dried, more brown showed up. It really brought out the grain on the poplar neck! Maybe next time I will see how the oak fretboard reacts to the walnut. I had photos of some famous 4-4-0 locomotives, but decided not to paint it bright. So I put a lot of water in my paints and used “washes” of color. The brownish color on either side of the circle was because of an early version Ben Gitty made with straight brown lines in those areas. So I mixed a brown wash, applied it, then when it was sort of dry, I rubbed it with more fresh walnut husks. I finally decided to quit messing with the locomotive .. and just sprayed on the clear matte finish. And there you have it.

Marion, IL, USA

Instrument Build

The Hobo Fiddle DIY Kit by "Boxcar" Ben Gitty

I liked the concept. With the fretted neck and 17” scale. Although the cherry and tobacco vignette ones looked great, I figured I’d try my hand at coloring it. Decided not to use Watco or Minwax oil stains ... because I wanted to use acrylics and a clear acrylic coat. So, I got black walnuts out of my neighbor’s yard. Then used the “water” from the husks to stain it. I thought walnut was brown! But it came out a yellowish color. As it dried, more brown showed up. It really brought out the grain on the poplar neck! Maybe next time I will see how the oak fretboard reacts to the walnut. I had photos of some famous 4-4-0 locomotives, but decided not to paint it bright. So I put a lot of water in my paints and used “washes” of color. The brownish color on either side of the circle was because of an early version Ben Gitty made with straight brown lines in those areas. So I mixed a brown wash, applied it, then when it was sort of dry, I rubbed it with more fresh walnut husks. I finally decided to quit messing with the locomotive .. and just sprayed on the clear matte finish. And there you have it.

Marion, IL, USA

Instrument Build

The Hobo Fiddle DIY Kit by "Boxcar" Ben Gitty

I liked the concept. With the fretted neck and 17” scale. Although the cherry and tobacco vignette ones looked great, I figured I’d try my hand at coloring it. Decided not to use Watco or Minwax oil stains ... because I wanted to use acrylics and a clear acrylic coat. So, I got black walnuts out of my neighbor’s yard. Then used the “water” from the husks to stain it. I thought walnut was brown! But it came out a yellowish color. As it dried, more brown showed up. It really brought out the grain on the poplar neck! Maybe next time I will see how the oak fretboard reacts to the walnut. I had photos of some famous 4-4-0 locomotives, but decided not to paint it bright. So I put a lot of water in my paints and used “washes” of color. The brownish color on either side of the circle was because of an early version Ben Gitty made with straight brown lines in those areas. So I mixed a brown wash, applied it, then when it was sort of dry, I rubbed it with more fresh walnut husks. I finally decided to quit messing with the locomotive .. and just sprayed on the clear matte finish. And there you have it.

Marion, IL, USA

Instrument Build

The Hobo Fiddle DIY Kit by "Boxcar" Ben Gitty

I liked the concept. With the fretted neck and 17” scale. Although the cherry and tobacco vignette ones looked great, I figured I’d try my hand at coloring it. Decided not to use Watco or Minwax oil stains ... because I wanted to use acrylics and a clear acrylic coat. So, I got black walnuts out of my neighbor’s yard. Then used the “water” from the husks to stain it. I thought walnut was brown! But it came out a yellowish color. As it dried, more brown showed up. It really brought out the grain on the poplar neck! Maybe next time I will see how the oak fretboard reacts to the walnut. I had photos of some famous 4-4-0 locomotives, but decided not to paint it bright. So I put a lot of water in my paints and used “washes” of color. The brownish color on either side of the circle was because of an early version Ben Gitty made with straight brown lines in those areas. So I mixed a brown wash, applied it, then when it was sort of dry, I rubbed it with more fresh walnut husks. I finally decided to quit messing with the locomotive .. and just sprayed on the clear matte finish. And there you have it.

Marion, IL, USA

Instrument Build

The Hobo Fiddle DIY Kit by "Boxcar" Ben Gitty

I liked the concept. With the fretted neck and 17” scale. Although the cherry and tobacco vignette ones looked great, I figured I’d try my hand at coloring it. Decided not to use Watco or Minwax oil stains ... because I wanted to use acrylics and a clear acrylic coat. So, I got black walnuts out of my neighbor’s yard. Then used the “water” from the husks to stain it. I thought walnut was brown! But it came out a yellowish color. As it dried, more brown showed up. It really brought out the grain on the poplar neck! Maybe next time I will see how the oak fretboard reacts to the walnut. I had photos of some famous 4-4-0 locomotives, but decided not to paint it bright. So I put a lot of water in my paints and used “washes” of color. The brownish color on either side of the circle was because of an early version Ben Gitty made with straight brown lines in those areas. So I mixed a brown wash, applied it, then when it was sort of dry, I rubbed it with more fresh walnut husks. I finally decided to quit messing with the locomotive .. and just sprayed on the clear matte finish. And there you have it.

Marion, IL, USA

Instrument Build