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This trailblazer in the electronic genre whose band Kraftwerk revolutionized mainstream melodies while inspiring performers including Bowie, New Order, Coldplay, and Run-DMC.

Currently, the electronic equipment along with devices utilized by the musician to create some of the band’s best-known songs throughout two decades could fetch hundreds of thousands of dollars when they are sold in a November auction.

Exclusive Preview into Late Individual Composition

Compositions from an independent endeavor he had been creating shortly before his death after a cancer diagnosis aged 73 back in 2020 is available for the first time in a video related to the event.

Extensive Collection from His Possessions

Alongside his portable synth, his flute plus voice modulators – utilized by him for robotic vocal effects – fans will get a chance to purchase around five hundred of Schneider’s personal possessions at the auction.

These include his collection over a hundred wind and brass items, numerous Polaroid photographs, his sunglasses, the passport he used while touring until 1978 and his VW panel van, given a gray finish.

His Panasonic Panaracer bicycle, which he rode for the Tour de France clip and shown on the cover art, is also for sale on 19 November.

Auction Details

The total estimated value of the sale is $450,000 to $650,000.

The group was revolutionary – among the earliest acts with electronic gear producing sounds entirely new to listeners.

Additional artists considered their music “mind-blowing”. It revealed an innovative direction in music developed by the group. It encouraged many acts to move in the direction synthesizer-based tunes.

Notable Pieces

• One voice modulator possibly the one Kraftwerk used on their albums The Man Machine in 1978 and early '80s work could fetch a high estimate.
• An EMS Synthi AKS believed to be the one used on Kraftwerk’s 1974 album Autobahn is appraised for $15K–$20K.
• His wind instrument, a classic design played by him on stage with the synthesiser until 1974, is valued at up to five figures.

Unique Belongings

Among the lowest-priced items, a collection with dozens of snapshots photographed by him of his woodwind and brass instruments is available for a modest sum.

More unusual pieces, such as a see-through, vibrant yellow instrument plus a distinctive fly sculpture, placed at his studio, may go for $200 to $400.

His framed green-tinted shades and Polaroid photographs of him wearing them are listed at $300 to $500.

Official Message

He felt that they are meant to be played and circulated – not sitting idle or remaining untouched. His desire was his instruments to be passed to individuals who would truly value them: musicians, collectors and fans by the art of sound.

Ongoing Legacy

Reflecting on their contribution, a well-known drummer commented: Initially, we loved Kraftwerk. Autobahn was an album that made us all take notice: this is new. They were doing unique material … fresh sounds – they intentionally avoided the past.”