Electronic Music Pioneer's Historic Gear Head to Stateside Bidding
As a trailblazer in the electronic genre and his ensemble Kraftwerk redefined mainstream melodies and impacting artists from David Bowie and New Order to Coldplay and Run-DMC.
Now, the musical tools along with devices that Florian Schneider used to create some of the band’s best-known songs in the 1970s and 1980s may bring in a high six-figure sum as they go under the hammer at auction next month.
Exclusive Preview into Unreleased Individual Composition
Compositions for a solo project he had been creating prior to his passing due to cancer aged 73 back in 2020 is being shared for the first time in a video related to the event.
Extensive Collection of Personal Belongings
Alongside the compact synthesizer, the wooden flute and robotic voice devices – which he used for robotic vocal effects – fans have the opportunity to purchase around five hundred of Schneider’s personal possessions at the auction.
These include his collection over a hundred brass and woodwind instruments, numerous Polaroid photographs, his sunglasses, his travel document he used while touring before 1979 and Volkswagen vehicle, which he custom-painted grey.
His Panasonic Panaracer bicycle, used by him during the band's video and is depicted in the release's graphics, will also go under the hammer on 19 November.
Sale Information
The approximate sum from the event falls between $450K and $650K.
The group was revolutionary – they were one of the first bands that used synthesisers crafting compositions that no one had ever heard of before.
Other bands found their tracks “mind-blowing”. It revealed a fresh route within sound developed by the group. It inspired numerous artists to shift towards electronic synth sounds.
Highlighted Items
- One voice modulator that is likely utilized on albums in productions during their peak plus later releases is expected to sell $30,000 to $50,000.
- The portable EMS model likely employed in early work their iconic release is appraised for $15K–$20K.
- The alto flute, a classic design that Schneider used on stage with the synthesiser until 1974, is valued at $8,000 to $10,000.
Quirky and Personal Items
Among the lowest-priced items, an assortment of nearly 100 instant photos Schneider took featuring his wind collection is on sale for $100 to $200.
Additional unique items, like a clear, vibrant yellow instrument and a “very unique” 16-inch model of a fly, displayed on Schneider’s studio wall, have estimates of $200 to $400.
The musician's eyewear with green lenses plus snapshots of him wearing them could sell for $300 to $500.
Estate’s Statement
He always believed that instruments should be used and shared – not stored away or remaining untouched. He hoped his tools to go to individuals who appreciate them: artists, gatherers and fans by the art of sound.
Lasting Influence
Considering the band's impact, one noted musician commented: Initially, they inspired us. That record that made us all sit up and say: what is this?. They produced unique material … entirely original – they deliberately moved past previous styles.”