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This innovator within synth-based sounds and his ensemble the pioneering act transformed the sound of pop and impacting performers including Bowie, New Order, Coldplay, and Run-DMC.

Now, the electronic equipment and musical instruments utilized by the musician to create the group's famous compositions throughout two decades may bring in substantial bids during the upcoming sale in a November auction.

Exclusive Preview for Late Solo Project

Music for a solo project he had been creating shortly before his death from cancer aged 73 in 2020 is being shared for the first time through a clip related to the event.

Wide Array from His Possessions

In addition to his portable synth, his flute and robotic voice devices – which he used creating mechanical-sounding vocals – enthusiasts will get a chance to acquire nearly 500 his personal effects at the auction.

These include his collection of more than 100 brass and woodwind instruments, numerous Polaroid photographs, his sunglasses, his travel document used on tour until 1978 and Volkswagen vehicle, given a gray finish.

The bike he rode, featured for the Tour de France clip and is depicted on the single’s artwork, will be auctioned later this month.

Sale Information

The total estimated value from the event falls between $450K and $650K.

Kraftwerk were groundbreaking – they were one of the first bands that used synthesisers producing sounds entirely new to listeners.

Additional artists considered their music incredible. It revealed a fresh route within sound developed by the group. It inspired many acts to shift towards electronic synth sounds.

Featured Lots

• A vocoder probably employed by the band for recordings The Man Machine in 1978 and early '80s work is expected to sell a high estimate.
• The portable EMS model thought to be the one used on Kraftwerk’s 1974 album the famous record has an estimate of $15K–$20K.
• His wind instrument, a specific model that Schneider used during live acts until 1974, carries an estimate of $8,000 to $10,000.

Distinctive Objects

Among the lowest-priced items, a group of about 90 Polaroid photographs photographed by him of his woodwind and brass instruments is on sale at a low estimate.

Additional unique items, including a transparent, vibrant yellow instrument and an unusual 16-inch model of a fly, placed at his studio, may go for $200–$400.

Schneider’s gold-framed green-lens sunglasses plus snapshots of him wearing them could sell for $300 to $500.

Official Message

He always believed that instruments should be used and circulated – not stored away or remaining untouched. He hoped his tools to find their way to people who would truly value them: musicians, collectors and fans through music.

Ongoing Legacy

Reflecting on their contribution, one noted musician commented: “From the early days, they inspired us. Autobahn was an album that had us take notice: what is this?. They produced innovative work … something completely new – they deliberately moved past the past.”