Kraftwerk Co-Founder's Iconic Instruments Go to American Sale

He was trailblazer of electronic music with the group the German electronic band revolutionized popular music and influenced artists ranging from Bowie to Run-DMC.

Currently, his synth gear along with devices utilized by the musician to create some of the band’s best-known songs during the '70s and '80s are estimated to earn a high six-figure sum during the upcoming sale in a November auction.

First Listen for Late Solo Project

Compositions for a solo project that Schneider was working on prior to his passing due to cancer in his seventies in 2020 is available as a debut via footage promoting the sale.

Wide Array of His Items

Together with his suitcase synthesiser, the wooden flute plus voice modulators – utilized by him creating mechanical-sounding vocals – enthusiasts have the opportunity to acquire nearly 500 items from his estate in the sale.

These include the assortment exceeding 100 brass and woodwind instruments, numerous Polaroid photographs, eyewear, the passport he used while touring through the late '70s and Volkswagen vehicle, given a gray finish.

The bike he rode, used by him in Kraftwerk’s Tour de France music video and is depicted on the cover art, will also go under the hammer later this month.

Auction Details

The projected worth of the sale falls between $450K and $650K.

Kraftwerk were groundbreaking – they were one of the first bands with electronic gear and they created music unlike anything prior.

Additional artists considered their music astonishing. They suddenly discovered this new pathway for compositions developed by the group. This motivated a lot of bands to shift towards of using synthesised electronic music.

Notable Pieces

• A vocoder probably utilized on albums for recordings during their peak and early '80s work may go for $30K–$50K.
• A suitcase synthesizer likely the one used in early work their iconic release is appraised for $15K–$20K.
• The alto flute, a specific model featured in performances on stage with the synthesiser before moving on, carries an estimate of $8,000 to $10,000.

Distinctive Objects

Among the lowest-priced items, a collection with dozens of snapshots he captured featuring his wind collection is available at a low estimate.

More unusual pieces, such as a see-through, colorful bass plus a distinctive fly sculpture, displayed on Schneider’s studio wall, have estimates of a few hundred.

Schneider’s gold-framed green-tinted shades and Polaroid photographs of him wearing them could sell for $300 to $500.

Estate’s Statement

His view was that they are meant to be played and shared – not stored away or gathering dust in storage. He hoped his instruments to be passed to enthusiasts that will cherish them: artists, gatherers and admirers through music.

Lasting Influence

Considering their contribution, an influential artist commented: Initially, they inspired us. Their work that had us take notice: what’s this?. They were doing something different … something completely new – they intentionally avoided earlier approaches.”