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Early in the summer of 2021, I embarked on a two-week 8,400-mile solo journey around America by train. This adventure was equal parts post-modern walkabout, mid-life crisis, and long-awaited escape after two years of COVID lockdowns.My sole companion throughout this momentous journey was my trusty little Hobo Fiddle, a style of cigar box guitar I created a few years back. It’s a funky little thing, a cross between a ukulele and a guitar, envisioned with the goal of building the sort of instrumen …

A railroad traveler, who whistled while he worked for food, inspired the name of this handmade musical instrument.Since Ben "Gitty" Baker wrote the book, The Legend of the Hobo Fiddle, friends of Gitty have been sharing their own regional railrider tales and personal hobo encounters.These stories show the rich history of people who crossed the United States of America by railcar, searching for work, for food, and for a better life. Here is one such story, shared by frien …

A vacant school in a small Pennsylvania town did more than provide shelter to hoboes: it inspired a work of art.In the handmade musical instrument community, you need not look far for a terrific tale that connects an instrument to history and unforgettable experiences. Ever since Ben "Gitty" Baker set out to blend American railroad and hobo history with the joyful art of building musical instruments, we've received numerous community stories here at C. B. Gitty Crafter Supply recounting liv …