Electronic Music Pioneer's Legendary Gear Are Featured in US Auction

As a trailblazer in the electronic genre and his ensemble the German electronic band redefined popular music and impacting artists from David Bowie and New Order to Coldplay and Run-DMC.

Now, the musical tools and musical instruments utilized by the musician to create the group's famous compositions during the '70s and '80s may bring in substantial bids as they go under the hammer in a November auction.

Exclusive Preview into Final Individual Composition

Music for a solo project that Schneider was working on shortly before his death after a cancer diagnosis aged 73 two years ago can be heard for the first time through a clip related to the event.

Vast Assortment of Personal Belongings

Together with his portable synth, his flute plus voice modulators – utilized by him creating mechanical-sounding vocals – enthusiasts will get a chance to purchase around five hundred his personal effects at the auction.

Among them are his set exceeding 100 brass and woodwind instruments, numerous Polaroid photographs, eyewear, the passport for his travels before 1979 and his VW panel van, painted in a gray hue.

His cycling gear, which he rode in Kraftwerk’s Tour de France music video and shown in the release's graphics, will also go under the hammer this November 19.

Bidding Particulars

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

They were innovators – they were one of the first bands employing synthesizers crafting compositions that no one had ever heard of before.

Other bands found their tracks incredible. It revealed a fresh route in music developed by the group. It encouraged many acts to explore electronic synth sounds.

Highlighted Items

• One voice modulator that is likely utilized on albums in productions during their peak and Computer World in 1981 could fetch $30,000 to $50,000.
• An EMS Synthi AKS believed to be the one used for Autobahn the famous record is valued at $15K–$20K.
• His wind instrument, an Orsi G alto featured in performances alongside electronic gear through the early '70s, may sell for $8,000 to $10,000.

Unique Belongings

In the affordable range, a group with dozens of snapshots Schneider took featuring his wind collection is available for a modest sum.

More unusual pieces, like a clear, vibrant yellow instrument and an unusual fly sculpture, displayed on Schneider’s studio wall, are priced at $200 to $400.

The musician's green-tinted shades and Polaroid photographs showing him with these are estimated at under $500.

Estate’s Statement

He felt that they are meant to be played and circulated – not stored away or gathering dust in storage. He hoped his tools to be passed to people that will cherish them: artists, gatherers and admirers by audio creativity.

Lasting Influence

Recalling their contribution, one noted musician said: Starting out, they inspired us. Their work that made us all sit up and say: what’s this?. They created something different … fresh sounds – they were consciously rejecting the past.”