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As a pioneer in the electronic genre whose band the German electronic band revolutionized the sound of pop while inspiring artists from David Bowie and New Order to Coldplay and Run-DMC.

Presently, the electronic equipment and musical instruments utilized by the musician to create Kraftwerk's iconic tracks throughout two decades are estimated to earn a high six-figure sum as they go under the hammer at auction next month.

Rare Glimpse of Final Individual Composition

Recordings from an independent endeavor that Schneider was working on just before he died after a cancer diagnosis in his seventies in 2020 can be heard for the first time through a clip promoting the sale.

Vast Assortment of Personal Belongings

In addition to the compact synthesizer, his wind instrument plus voice modulators – which he used to make his voice sound like a robot – collectors have the opportunity to buy nearly 500 of Schneider’s personal possessions at the auction.

These include his set exceeding 100 musical wind tools, many instant photos, eyewear, the passport for his travels through the late '70s and his VW panel van, painted in a gray hue.

The bike he rode, featured for the Tour de France clip also pictured on the cover art, is also for sale later this month.

Auction Details

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

Kraftwerk were groundbreaking – they were one of the first bands employing synthesizers and they created music unlike anything prior.

Fellow musicians viewed their songs astonishing. They suddenly discovered a fresh route within sound that Kraftwerk created. This motivated a lot of bands to shift towards electronic synth sounds.

Highlighted Items

• A vocoder that is likely employed by the band on their albums from the late '70s plus later releases may go for $30K–$50K.
• An EMS Synthi AKS likely utilized on Kraftwerk’s 1974 album Autobahn has an estimate of a mid-range sum.
• His wind instrument, a specific model that Schneider used alongside electronic gear until 1974, carries an estimate of $8K–$10K.

Distinctive Objects

For smaller budgets, an assortment of about 90 Polaroid photographs Schneider took of his woodwind and brass instruments can be bought for $100 to $200.

Other quirky objects, such as a see-through, bright yellow acrylic guitar and a “very unique” fly sculpture, which was mounted in his workspace, have estimates of a few hundred.

The musician's green-tinted shades plus snapshots of him wearing them are estimated at under $500.

Family’s Words

His view was that they are meant to be played and shared – not left unused or collecting dust. His desire was his instruments to be passed to individuals that will cherish them: performers, hobbyists and fans by audio creativity.

Ongoing Legacy

Reflecting on the band's impact, a well-known drummer commented: “From the early days, they inspired us. Their work which prompted us pay attention: this is new. They created something different … fresh sounds – they deliberately moved past the past.”