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As a innovator in the electronic genre and his ensemble Kraftwerk redefined mainstream melodies while inspiring musicians ranging from Bowie to Run-DMC.

Presently, the electronic equipment and performance items that Florian Schneider used to create the group's famous compositions in the 1970s and 1980s may bring in hundreds of thousands of dollars when they are sold in a November auction.

Rare Glimpse into Final Individual Composition

Recordings for a solo project that Schneider was working on just before he died from cancer at 73 years old in 2020 is available for the first time via footage about the auction.

Extensive Collection of Personal Belongings

Together with the compact synthesizer, his wind instrument and his vocoders – that he employed to make his voice sound like a robot – enthusiasts will get a chance to purchase approximately 500 items from his estate through bidding.

These include his set exceeding 100 wind and brass items, many instant photos, his shades, the passport he used while touring before 1979 plus his custom van, painted in a gray hue.

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

Auction Details

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

Kraftwerk were groundbreaking – as pioneers that used synthesisers crafting compositions entirely new to listeners.

Other bands viewed their songs “mind-blowing”. They came across an innovative direction within sound pioneered by the band. It encouraged numerous artists to explore electronic synth sounds.

Featured Lots

• One voice modulator probably employed by the band in productions from the late '70s plus later releases could fetch a high estimate.
• The portable EMS model thought to be the one used for Autobahn Autobahn is valued at $15,000 to $20,000.
• The flute, a specific model featured in performances on stage with the synthesiser until 1974, carries an estimate of $8K–$10K.

Distinctive Objects

Among the lowest-priced items, a collection of nearly 100 instant photos photographed by him of his woodwind and brass instruments can be bought at a low estimate.

More unusual pieces, such as a see-through, vibrant yellow instrument and a “very unique” insect replica, displayed on Schneider’s studio wall, have estimates of $200–$400.

Schneider’s gold-framed green-tinted shades plus snapshots of him wearing them are listed at $300 to $500.

Official Message

He always believed that instruments should be used and shared – not sitting idle or remaining untouched. He wanted his equipment to be passed to people who would truly value them: artists, gatherers and fans by the art of sound.

Lasting Influence

Recalling their contribution, one noted musician said: Initially, we were fans. Their work that made us all pay attention: what is this?. They produced something different … fresh sounds – they intentionally avoided the past.”