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As a trailblazer within synth-based sounds and his ensemble Kraftwerk revolutionized the sound of pop and impacting artists including Bowie, New Order, Coldplay, and Run-DMC.

Now, the musical tools and musical instruments employed by Schneider in crafting Kraftwerk's iconic tracks throughout two decades are estimated to earn hundreds of thousands of dollars when they are sold this coming month.

First Listen into Unreleased Personal Work

Recordings from an independent endeavor that Schneider was working on just before he died after a cancer diagnosis aged 73 back in 2020 is available initially through a clip promoting the sale.

Vast Assortment of Personal Belongings

In addition to the compact synthesizer, his flute and robotic voice devices – that he employed for robotic vocal effects – fans can try to buy around five hundred of Schneider’s personal possessions at the auction.

Among them are his set exceeding 100 musical wind tools, numerous Polaroid photographs, his sunglasses, the passport for his travels until 1978 and Volkswagen vehicle, which he custom-painted grey.

His Panasonic Panaracer bicycle, which he rode during the band's video and is depicted on the single’s artwork, will be auctioned later this month.

Sale Information

The total estimated value from the event is $450,000 to $650,000.

The group was revolutionary – they were one of the first bands employing synthesizers crafting compositions entirely new to listeners.

Fellow musicians considered their music “mind-blowing”. It revealed an innovative direction within sound pioneered by the band. It encouraged numerous artists to shift towards synthesizer-based tunes.

Featured Lots

• One voice modulator probably utilized on albums on their albums from the late '70s and Computer World in 1981 may go for $30,000 to $50,000.
• An EMS Synthi AKS thought to be employed on Kraftwerk’s 1974 album Autobahn has an estimate of a mid-range sum.
• His wind instrument, a classic design played by him alongside electronic gear through the early '70s, may sell for $8,000 to $10,000.

Unique Belongings

In the affordable range, an assortment with dozens of snapshots Schneider took of his woodwind and brass instruments is on sale at a low estimate.

Other quirky objects, like a clear, vibrant yellow instrument and a “very unique” fly sculpture, placed on Schneider’s studio wall, may go for a few hundred.

The musician's green-lens sunglasses along with instant photos showing him with these are estimated at $300 to $500.

Family’s Words

He felt that they are meant to be played and circulated – not stored away or collecting dust. He wanted his equipment to go to people who appreciate them: performers, hobbyists and those inspired by the art of sound.

Lasting Influence

Recalling Kraftwerk’s influence, an influential artist stated: Starting out, we loved Kraftwerk. That record which prompted us take notice: what is this?. They were doing something different … something completely new – they intentionally avoided the past.”