His passion for guitar making led him to study at the Westsächsische Hochschule Zwickau in Markneukirchen, a historic center for instrument making. He further refined his craft under Raymond Kraut in Eugene, Oregon, whose mentorship — rooted in the tradition of Ervin Somogyi — deeply shaped Max’s approach to voicing and design.

After years of dedicated learning, Max founded Spohn Guitars, building instruments that seamlessly merge modern aesthetics with timeless luthiery principles. His work is celebrated for its tonal balance, tactile comfort, and visual elegance, often incorporating geometric inlays and rosettes inspired by early modernist art.

When not at the bench, Max draws inspiration from art galleries and the natural world, finding design cues in the curl of a leaf, the spiral of a shell, or the flow of water over stone. For Max, a great guitar is more than an instrument — it is a deeply personal tool for musical expression and a piece of art meant to last a lifetime.