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He was trailblazer within synth-based sounds whose band Kraftwerk redefined popular music while inspiring performers ranging from Bowie to Run-DMC.

Currently, the electronic equipment and performance items utilized by the musician to create Kraftwerk's iconic tracks in the 1970s and 1980s are estimated to earn hundreds of thousands of dollars as they go under the hammer in a November auction.

Exclusive Preview for Unreleased Personal Work

Music related to his own venture the artist was developing prior to his passing due to cancer aged 73 in 2020 is available as a debut via footage about the auction.

Wide Array of Personal Belongings

Together with his suitcase synthesiser, his wind instrument and his vocoders – which he used for robotic vocal effects – collectors can try to acquire nearly 500 items from his estate through bidding.

These include his collection of more than 100 brass and woodwind instruments, numerous Polaroid photographs, eyewear, the ID used on tour before 1979 plus his custom van, painted in a gray hue.

His cycling gear, featured in Kraftwerk’s Tour de France music video and shown on the cover art, will be auctioned on 19 November.

Sale Information

The approximate sum for the auction is $450,000 to $650,000.

The group was revolutionary – they were one of the first bands employing synthesizers and they created music that no one had ever heard of before.

Additional artists found their tracks astonishing. It revealed an innovative direction within sound developed by the group. It inspired a lot of bands to explore synthesizer-based tunes.

Notable Pieces

• One voice modulator possibly the one Kraftwerk used on their albums The Man Machine in 1978 plus later releases could fetch $30,000 to $50,000.
• A suitcase synthesizer believed to be utilized for Autobahn Autobahn is appraised for a mid-range sum.
• His wind instrument, an Orsi G alto featured in performances alongside electronic gear until 1974, carries an estimate of up to five figures.

Quirky and Personal Items

In the affordable range, a group of nearly 100 instant photos Schneider took featuring his wind collection is available for a modest sum.

More unusual pieces, like a clear, vibrant yellow instrument and an unusual 16-inch model of a fly, which was mounted in his workspace, may go for $200 to $400.

His framed green-lens sunglasses plus snapshots showing him with these could sell for under $500.

Family’s Words

His view was that they are meant to be played and enjoyed by others – not sitting idle or collecting dust. He wanted his instruments to be passed to enthusiasts who appreciate them: artists, gatherers and those inspired by audio creativity.

Enduring Impact

Considering Kraftwerk’s influence, an influential artist said: Initially, we were fans. Their work which prompted us pay attention: what’s this?. They produced unique material … entirely original – they deliberately moved past earlier approaches.”