Electronic Music Pioneer's Legendary Instruments Go to American Sale

He was pioneer in the electronic genre and his ensemble the pioneering act redefined the sound of pop while inspiring musicians including Bowie, New Order, Coldplay, and Run-DMC.

Now, the electronic equipment and performance items utilized by the musician in crafting some of the band’s best-known songs during the '70s and '80s are estimated to earn substantial bids as they go under the hammer this coming month.

Exclusive Preview into Final Personal Work

Music from an independent endeavor he had been creating just before he died after a cancer diagnosis aged 73 back in 2020 is being shared as a debut through a clip promoting the sale.

Extensive Collection of His Items

Together with his portable synth, his flute and robotic voice devices – that he employed creating mechanical-sounding vocals – collectors can try to purchase nearly 500 his personal effects in the sale.

Among them are his collection over a hundred brass and woodwind instruments, many instant photos, his sunglasses, the ID for his travels through the late '70s and his VW panel van, given a gray finish.

His cycling gear, which he rode during the band's video also pictured in the release's graphics, will be auctioned later this month.

Bidding Particulars

The total estimated value for the auction falls between $450K and $650K.

The group was revolutionary – they were one of the first bands employing synthesizers producing sounds that no one had ever heard of before.

Other bands viewed their songs “mind-blowing”. They suddenly discovered a fresh route within sound that Kraftwerk created. It inspired a lot of bands to shift towards electronic synth sounds.

Featured Lots

• A vocoder that is likely employed by the band on their albums during their peak and Computer World in 1981 could fetch $30,000 to $50,000.
• A suitcase synthesizer thought to be employed in early work the famous record is valued at $15K–$20K.
• His wind instrument, a specific model played by him during live acts before moving on, carries an estimate of up to five figures.

Unique Belongings

In the affordable range, a collection of about 90 Polaroid photographs photographed by him of his woodwind and brass instruments is on sale at a low estimate.

Other quirky objects, like a clear, colorful bass and an unusual 16-inch model of a fly, displayed in his workspace, are priced at a few hundred.

Schneider’s gold-framed green-lens sunglasses along with instant photos of him wearing them are listed at $300–$500.

Official Message

He always believed that instruments should be used and shared – not left unused or gathering dust in storage. He wanted his equipment to go to people who appreciate them: performers, hobbyists and those inspired through music.

Ongoing Legacy

Considering their contribution, a well-known drummer said: Initially, we loved Kraftwerk. Autobahn was an album which prompted us take notice: what’s this?. They created innovative work … entirely original – they deliberately moved past previous styles.”