Why the Guitar Makers Alliance Exists
A builder-first guide to what this community is all about
GMA is a guitar-building community for people who want support, guidance, and a place to grow.
The moment this all started
After years of helping builders through emails, videos, and templates, I kept seeing the same thing happen.
A new builder would start their first guitar full of excitement. They’d run into something confusing, go looking for help in the usual online spots… and that’s where things often went wrong.
Snarky comments. Gatekeeping. Answers that made them doubt themselves. Eventually, they stopped asking for help. That bothered me because guitar building should be fun.
Eventually, I realized their problem wasn’t that guitar building was too hard.
The problem was that builders were trying to figure it all out alone.
That’s why I created the Guitar Makers Alliance.
The real problem builders face
Most builders who reach out to me aren’t looking for complicated theories or a stack of courses.
They want:
- a friendly place to ask questions
- someone to say “you’re on the right track”
- support when something feels off
- builders around them who care about the craft
- a little momentum so they don’t lose steam
Discover a thriving community of guitar builders
What builders actually want
Hear our members tell you why they love being part of GMA
Why GMA exists
The Guitar Makers Alliance exists to help you build with more confidence, learn at a steady pace, and enjoy the craft along the way. It’s a place where you can get honest help, avoid unnecessary mistakes, and stay motivated with people who care about what you’re creating.
Learning is easier, and more fun, when you don’t have to do it alone.
Most courses teach you how to build guitars.
GMA helps you become a builder.
What makes GMA different
Electric guitar focus
Builders who care about offsets, T-style, wiring layouts, routing tricks, etc.
Supportive community
A place where beginners feel safe and experienced builders feel valued.
Builders at every level
Real community, not just scattered comment threads.
Self-paced courses
Learn when you want to, with no worry about falling behind.
Real ongoing support
Live Q&A, active discussions, and help when you hit a snag.
Build-ready skills
Practical learning you can apply to your next build right away.
This isn’t just a pile of videos.
It’s a living, breathing community. Ready to see what the community is really like?
It’s a living, breathing community. Ready to see what the community is really like?
If this feels like what you’ve been looking for
I write a weekly email called GMA Shop Notes where I share practical tips, lessons from the bench, and ideas to help you stay motivated.
👉 Join GMA Shop Notes
It’s free and it’s the easiest way to stay connected with what GMA is all about.
No pressure. Just useful help for guitar builders.
Ready to join GMA?
A quick hello if we haven’t met
I’m Mike Potvin. I run Potvin Guitars and the Guitar Makers Alliance.
I’ve been building guitars and templates for more than 20 years, and helping builders move from “I hope I can do this” to “I can’t believe I built this.”
GMA is the community I wish I’d had when I started.
You’re welcome here!
Whether you’re thinking about your first build or your fiftieth, GMA exists to help you learn, grow, and enjoy the craft.
I’m glad you’re here.
I’m glad you’re here.
