Electronic Music Pioneer's Historic Gear Head to Stateside Bidding
This pioneer of electronic music whose band the pioneering act redefined mainstream melodies and influenced performers from David Bowie and New Order to Coldplay and Run-DMC.
Now, his synth gear along with devices utilized by the musician for producing Kraftwerk's iconic tracks in the 1970s and 1980s could fetch substantial bids as they go under the hammer in a November auction.
Rare Glimpse of Unreleased Personal Work
Compositions related to his own venture that Schneider was working on prior to his passing after a cancer diagnosis at 73 years old back in 2020 is available initially via footage about the auction.
Extensive Collection of His Items
In addition to his suitcase synthesiser, the wooden flute plus voice modulators – utilized by him creating mechanical-sounding vocals – enthusiasts will get a chance to purchase approximately 500 items from his estate at the auction.
Among them are the assortment of more than 100 brass and woodwind instruments, several snapshots, eyewear, the passport he used while touring 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.
Sale Information
The projected worth for the auction is $450,000 to $650,000.
They were innovators – among the earliest acts with electronic gear crafting compositions that no one had ever heard of before.
Additional artists found their tracks “mind-blowing”. They suddenly discovered an innovative direction within sound developed by the group. It encouraged many acts to move in the direction electronic synth sounds.
Highlighted Items
- One voice modulator that is likely employed by the band in productions The Man Machine in 1978 and early '80s work could fetch $30K–$50K.
- An EMS Synthi AKS thought to be employed for Autobahn their iconic release has an estimate of $15K–$20K.
- His wind instrument, a classic design played by him alongside electronic gear before moving on, carries an estimate of $8K–$10K.
Unique Belongings
In the affordable range, a collection with dozens of snapshots Schneider took of his woodwind and brass instruments is available for $100 to $200.
Additional unique items, including a transparent, vibrant yellow instrument and an unusual insect replica, which was mounted at his studio, are priced at $200–$400.
The musician's eyewear with green lenses along with instant photos showing him with these are estimated at $300 to $500.
Family’s Words
He always believed that instruments should be used and shared – not stored away or collecting dust. He hoped his instruments to go to people who would truly value them: performers, hobbyists and admirers through music.
Ongoing Legacy
Considering their contribution, an influential artist stated: “From the early days, they inspired us. Their work which prompted us sit up and say: what is this?. They produced unique material … entirely original – they were consciously rejecting the past.”