🔗 Share this article

As a pioneer within synth-based sounds and his ensemble the German electronic band revolutionized mainstream melodies and impacting performers ranging from Bowie to Run-DMC.

Now, the musical tools and performance items utilized by the musician for producing the group's famous compositions in the 1970s and 1980s may bring in a high six-figure sum during the upcoming sale this coming month.

Exclusive Preview into Unreleased Solo Project

Music from an independent endeavor the artist was developing shortly before his death due to cancer aged 73 back in 2020 is available as a debut in a video promoting the sale.

Wide Array of His Items

Alongside his portable synth, his flute plus voice modulators – which he used for robotic vocal effects – fans will get a chance to buy nearly 500 of Schneider’s personal possessions in the sale.

This encompasses the assortment exceeding 100 musical wind tools, several snapshots, eyewear, the ID for his travels before 1979 and his VW panel van, which he custom-painted grey.

His cycling gear, featured for the Tour de France clip and shown in the release's graphics, will be auctioned on 19 November.

Auction Details

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

The group was revolutionary – as pioneers that used synthesisers and they created music unlike anything prior.

Other bands considered their music “mind-blowing”. It revealed this new pathway in music developed by the group. It encouraged numerous artists to move in the direction electronic synth sounds.

Notable Pieces

• One voice modulator possibly utilized on albums on their albums The Man Machine in 1978 plus later releases is expected to sell $30,000 to $50,000.
• The portable EMS model believed to be the one used on Kraftwerk’s 1974 album their iconic release is appraised for $15,000 to $20,000.
• The alto flute, a classic design that Schneider used on stage with the synthesiser before moving on, may sell for $8K–$10K.

Unique Belongings

Among the lowest-priced items, a group with dozens of snapshots he captured showing his musical tools can be bought for $100 to $200.

Other quirky objects, such as a see-through, colorful bass plus a distinctive fly sculpture, displayed at his studio, have estimates of a few hundred.

His framed green-tinted shades plus snapshots of him wearing them are estimated at under $500.

Family’s Words

He felt that gear deserves activity and circulated – not stored away or gathering dust in storage. His desire was his equipment to be passed to people that will cherish them: artists, gatherers and admirers by the art of sound.

Ongoing Legacy

Considering the band's impact, an influential artist said: Starting out, we were fans. Autobahn was an album that had us pay attention: this is new. They were doing something different … fresh sounds – they deliberately moved past previous styles.”