🔗 Share this article

He was innovator in the electronic genre with the group the pioneering act revolutionized mainstream melodies while inspiring musicians including Bowie, New Order, Coldplay, and Run-DMC.

Now, his synth gear and musical instruments that Florian Schneider used for producing Kraftwerk's iconic tracks during the '70s and '80s could fetch substantial bids when they are sold this coming month.

Rare Glimpse for Late Individual Composition

Recordings from an independent endeavor he had been creating just before he died after a cancer diagnosis aged 73 back in 2020 is available as a debut via footage promoting the sale.

Vast Assortment of Personal Belongings

Alongside the compact synthesizer, his wind instrument and robotic voice devices – which he used creating mechanical-sounding vocals – fans have the opportunity to purchase approximately 500 items from his estate in the sale.

Among them are his collection of more than 100 wind and brass items, many instant photos, his shades, his travel document for his travels through the late '70s and Volkswagen vehicle, painted in a gray hue.

His cycling gear, used by him in Kraftwerk’s Tour de France music video and shown on the single’s artwork, will also go under the hammer on 19 November.

Auction Details

The total estimated value for the auction is $450,000 to $650,000.

Kraftwerk were groundbreaking – they were one of the first bands employing synthesizers and they created music entirely new to listeners.

Other bands viewed their songs astonishing. They came across a fresh route in music that Kraftwerk created. It encouraged a lot of bands to shift towards synthesizer-based tunes.

Featured Lots

• One voice modulator that is likely employed by the band in productions during their peak and early '80s work could fetch a high estimate.
• The portable EMS model thought to be utilized on Kraftwerk’s 1974 album Autobahn has an estimate of $15,000 to $20,000.
• His wind instrument, a specific model played by him during live acts before moving on, carries an estimate of $8K–$10K.

Quirky and Personal Items

Among the lowest-priced items, a collection of nearly 100 instant photos Schneider took showing his musical tools is available for $100 to $200.

Other quirky objects, including a transparent, bright yellow acrylic guitar and a “very unique” insect replica, which was mounted on Schneider’s studio wall, may go for a few hundred.

The musician's green-lens sunglasses and Polaroid photographs showing him with these are estimated at $300 to $500.

Official Message

He always believed that they are meant to be played and circulated – not stored away or remaining untouched. He hoped his equipment to go to people that will cherish them: performers, hobbyists and admirers by the art of sound.

Lasting Influence

Considering the band's impact, an influential artist stated: Starting out, we loved Kraftwerk. That record which prompted us take notice: this is new. They produced innovative work … fresh sounds – they intentionally avoided the past.”