🔗 Share this article

As a trailblazer in the electronic genre and his ensemble the pioneering act redefined popular music while inspiring musicians from David Bowie and New Order to Coldplay and Run-DMC.

Now, the musical tools along with devices employed by Schneider to create the group's famous compositions during the '70s and '80s may bring in substantial bids during the upcoming sale this coming month.

Rare Glimpse of Unreleased Personal Work

Music related to his own venture the artist was developing just before he died due to cancer at 73 years old in 2020 can be heard for the first time in a video promoting the sale.

Wide Array of Personal Belongings

In addition to the compact synthesizer, his wind instrument and robotic voice devices – utilized by him to make his voice sound like a robot – fans have the opportunity to buy approximately 500 his personal effects at the auction.

These include the assortment exceeding 100 musical wind tools, numerous Polaroid photographs, his sunglasses, his travel document used on tour before 1979 and his VW panel van, painted in a gray hue.

His Panasonic Panaracer bicycle, featured during the band's video also pictured on the single’s artwork, will be auctioned on 19 November.

Bidding Particulars

The total estimated value from the event ranges from $450,000 to $650,000.

Kraftwerk were groundbreaking – as pioneers employing synthesizers and they created music entirely new to listeners.

Fellow musicians viewed their songs incredible. It revealed an innovative direction within sound that Kraftwerk created. This motivated many acts to explore electronic synth sounds.

Highlighted Items

• A vocoder possibly employed by the band for recordings The Man Machine in 1978 and Computer World in 1981 may go for $30,000 to $50,000.
• A suitcase synthesizer likely employed for Autobahn the famous record is valued at $15K–$20K.
• The flute, an Orsi G alto played by him alongside electronic gear before moving on, carries an estimate of up to five figures.

Unique Belongings

In the affordable range, a group of nearly 100 instant photos Schneider took featuring his wind collection is available for a modest sum.

Additional unique items, such as a see-through, vibrant yellow instrument plus a distinctive 16-inch model of a fly, displayed at his studio, may go for a few hundred.

Schneider’s gold-framed eyewear with green lenses and Polaroid photographs of him wearing them could sell for $300–$500.

Official Message

His view was that they are meant to be played and shared – not sitting idle or collecting dust. He wanted his instruments to go to enthusiasts who appreciate them: artists, gatherers and admirers by audio creativity.

Ongoing Legacy

Reflecting on the band's impact, an influential artist said: “From the early days, we loved Kraftwerk. That record which prompted us take notice: this is new. They produced something different … something completely new – they intentionally avoided the past.”