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This trailblazer of electronic music with the group the pioneering act revolutionized the sound of pop while inspiring musicians including Bowie, New Order, Coldplay, and Run-DMC.

Currently, the musical tools and performance items that Florian Schneider used to create Kraftwerk's iconic tracks during the '70s and '80s could fetch a high six-figure sum as they go under the hammer at auction next month.

Exclusive Preview of Final Individual Composition

Music for a solo project he had been creating prior to his passing due to cancer at 73 years old back in 2020 is available for the first time in a video promoting the sale.

Vast Assortment of His Items

In addition to his portable synth, the wooden flute and his vocoders – which he used to make his voice sound like a robot – collectors have the opportunity to buy approximately 500 of Schneider’s personal possessions in the sale.

These include his collection of more than 100 brass and woodwind instruments, numerous Polaroid photographs, eyewear, the passport used on tour before 1979 and Volkswagen vehicle, given a gray finish.

The bike he rode, featured for the Tour de France clip and shown on the single’s artwork, is also for sale on 19 November.

Sale Information

The projected worth for the auction falls between $450K and $650K.

The group was revolutionary – among the earliest acts employing synthesizers and they created music that no one had ever heard of before.

Other bands found their tracks astonishing. It revealed this new pathway within sound pioneered by the band. It encouraged many acts to move in the direction of using synthesised electronic music.

Notable Pieces

• An effects unit that is likely utilized on albums on their albums during their peak and early '80s work is expected to sell $30,000 to $50,000.
• The portable EMS model believed to be utilized on Kraftwerk’s 1974 album their iconic release is valued at $15K–$20K.
• The alto flute, a classic design that Schneider used alongside electronic gear before moving on, is valued at up to five figures.

Distinctive Objects

For smaller budgets, a group with dozens of snapshots photographed by him showing his musical tools is on sale for $100 to $200.

Other quirky objects, such as a see-through, bright yellow acrylic guitar plus a distinctive 16-inch model of a fly, displayed at his studio, have estimates of $200–$400.

The musician's eyewear with green lenses along with instant photos showing him with these could sell for $300–$500.

Family’s Words

He felt that instruments should be used and enjoyed by others – not sitting idle or collecting dust. He hoped his tools to find their way to enthusiasts that will cherish them: artists, gatherers and admirers by the art of sound.

Lasting Influence

Reflecting on Kraftwerk’s influence, one noted musician said: Initially, we loved Kraftwerk. Their work that made us all sit up and say: what’s this?. They created unique material … fresh sounds – they intentionally avoided the past.”