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As a trailblazer within synth-based sounds and his ensemble the German electronic band transformed popular music and impacting performers ranging from Bowie to Run-DMC.

Currently, his synth gear along with devices utilized by the musician in crafting Kraftwerk's iconic tracks in the 1970s and 1980s are estimated to earn substantial bids as they go under the hammer at auction next month.

Exclusive Preview of Unreleased Personal Work

Recordings for a solo project that Schneider was working on just before he died after a cancer diagnosis at 73 years old back in 2020 is available initially in a video related to the event.

Wide Array from His Possessions

Together with the compact synthesizer, his flute and robotic voice devices – which he used creating mechanical-sounding vocals – enthusiasts have the opportunity to acquire nearly 500 items from his estate through bidding.

This encompasses the assortment of more than 100 brass and woodwind instruments, numerous Polaroid photographs, his sunglasses, the passport for his travels through the late '70s and his VW panel van, given a gray finish.

The bike he rode, which he rode in Kraftwerk’s Tour de France music video and shown on the cover art, will also go under the hammer later this month.

Bidding Particulars

The projected worth from the event is $450,000 to $650,000.

They were innovators – among the earliest acts that used synthesisers and they created music that no one had ever heard of before.

Additional artists found their tracks astonishing. They suddenly discovered an innovative direction for compositions that Kraftwerk created. It inspired a lot of bands to move in the direction synthesizer-based tunes.

Notable Pieces

• An effects unit possibly utilized on albums on their albums from the late '70s and early '80s work is expected to sell $30K–$50K.
• The portable EMS model thought to be employed for Autobahn the famous record is appraised for $15K–$20K.
• The alto flute, an Orsi G alto played by him during live acts through the early '70s, is valued at up to five figures.

Distinctive Objects

For smaller budgets, a group of nearly 100 instant photos Schneider took featuring his wind collection can be bought for $100 to $200.

Other quirky objects, including a transparent, vibrant yellow instrument and a “very unique” fly sculpture, which was mounted on Schneider’s studio wall, have estimates of $200 to $400.

His framed eyewear with green lenses along with instant photos of him wearing them are listed at $300 to $500.

Official Message

His view was that instruments should be used and shared – not left unused or remaining untouched. His desire was his instruments to be passed to people that will cherish them: artists, gatherers and those inspired by audio creativity.

Lasting Influence

Recalling Kraftwerk’s influence, a well-known drummer commented: Initially, we loved Kraftwerk. That record that had us take notice: this is new. They were doing something different … entirely original – they were consciously rejecting earlier approaches.”