Kraftwerk Co-Founder's Legendary Equipment Go to US Auction

This pioneer within synth-based sounds and his ensemble Kraftwerk redefined the sound of pop and impacting artists from David Bowie and New Order to Coldplay and Run-DMC.

Now, the electronic equipment and musical instruments employed by Schneider for producing some of the band’s best-known songs throughout two decades are estimated to earn substantial bids during the upcoming sale in a November auction.

First Listen into Unreleased Individual Composition

Recordings from an independent endeavor he had been creating shortly before his death from cancer at 73 years old back in 2020 is being shared for the first time via footage about the auction.

Vast Assortment of His Items

Alongside the compact synthesizer, the wooden flute and robotic voice devices – utilized by him creating mechanical-sounding vocals – collectors have the opportunity to acquire nearly 500 items from his estate through bidding.

This encompasses the assortment of more than 100 wind and brass items, numerous Polaroid photographs, his sunglasses, the passport used on tour until 1978 and Volkswagen vehicle, given a gray finish.

The bike he rode, which he rode in Kraftwerk’s Tour de France music video and is depicted on the single’s artwork, is also for sale on 19 November.

Auction Details

The projected worth of the sale is $450,000 to $650,000.

They were innovators – as pioneers employing synthesizers and they created music that no one had ever heard of before.

Fellow musicians considered their music “mind-blowing”. They came across an innovative direction for compositions pioneered by the band. It inspired numerous artists to explore of using synthesised electronic music.

Notable Pieces

• One voice modulator possibly utilized on albums for recordings during their peak and early '80s work may go for $30,000 to $50,000.
• A suitcase synthesizer thought to be employed for Autobahn Autobahn is valued at a mid-range sum.
• The flute, a specific model that Schneider used during live acts before moving on, may sell for $8,000 to $10,000.

Unique Belongings

Among the lowest-priced items, a collection of about 90 Polaroid photographs Schneider took showing his musical tools can be bought at a low estimate.

More unusual pieces, such as a see-through, colorful bass and an unusual insect replica, placed in his workspace, have estimates of $200 to $400.

Schneider’s gold-framed green-lens sunglasses along with instant photos of him wearing them could sell for under $500.

Official Message

He felt that gear deserves activity and shared – not stored away or collecting dust. He wanted his tools to be passed to people who would truly value them: musicians, collectors and admirers by audio creativity.

Ongoing Legacy

Reflecting on their contribution, an influential artist commented: Starting out, we loved Kraftwerk. Autobahn was an album which prompted us sit up and say: what’s this?. They created unique material … fresh sounds – they were consciously rejecting earlier approaches.”