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This innovator of electronic music with the group the pioneering act redefined the sound of pop and impacting artists including Bowie, New Order, Coldplay, and Run-DMC.

Presently, his synth gear and musical instruments employed by Schneider for producing Kraftwerk's iconic tracks during the '70s and '80s may bring in hundreds of thousands of dollars as they go under the hammer in a November auction.

Rare Glimpse into Unreleased Personal Work

Recordings related to his own venture that Schneider was working on shortly before his death due to cancer at 73 years old in 2020 can be heard initially in a video promoting the sale.

Wide Array of Personal Belongings

Alongside his portable synth, his wind instrument and robotic voice devices – which he used for robotic vocal effects – enthusiasts can try to buy around five hundred of Schneider’s personal possessions at the auction.

These include his set of more than 100 musical wind tools, numerous Polaroid photographs, his shades, the ID used on tour before 1979 and his VW panel van, which he custom-painted grey.

His Panasonic Panaracer bicycle, featured in Kraftwerk’s Tour de France music video also pictured on the single’s artwork, is also for sale later this month.

Auction Details

The projected worth from the event ranges from $450,000 to $650,000.

Kraftwerk were groundbreaking – as pioneers that used synthesisers and they created music that no one had ever heard of before.

Additional artists found their tracks astonishing. They suddenly discovered an innovative direction in music pioneered by the band. It encouraged many acts to explore electronic synth sounds.

Featured Lots

• A vocoder probably utilized on albums for recordings from the late '70s plus later releases is expected to sell a high estimate.
• The portable EMS model likely utilized in early work their iconic release is appraised for a mid-range sum.
• The flute, an Orsi G alto played by him on stage with the synthesiser before moving on, is valued at $8,000 to $10,000.

Quirky and Personal Items

In the affordable range, an assortment of about 90 Polaroid photographs Schneider took of his woodwind and brass instruments is available for a modest sum.

More unusual pieces, like a clear, vibrant yellow instrument plus a distinctive fly sculpture, placed on Schneider’s studio wall, may go for $200 to $400.

The musician's green-tinted shades plus snapshots showing him with these could sell for $300 to $500.

Official Message

He felt that instruments should be used and shared – not sitting idle or remaining untouched. He wanted his tools to be passed to people that will cherish them: musicians, collectors and admirers through music.

Ongoing Legacy

Considering their contribution, one noted musician stated: Initially, we were fans. That record which prompted us sit up and say: what’s this?. They created something different … entirely original – they deliberately moved past previous styles.”