Electronic Music Pioneer's Historic Instruments Head to US Auction

This innovator in the electronic genre with the group the pioneering act revolutionized popular music while inspiring artists ranging from Bowie to Run-DMC.

Currently, the electronic equipment and musical instruments utilized by the musician for producing the group's famous compositions in the 1970s and 1980s are estimated to earn substantial bids as they go under the hammer at auction next month.

Exclusive Preview into Late Individual Composition

Compositions related to his own venture the artist was developing shortly before his death after a cancer diagnosis aged 73 two years ago is available as a debut through a clip promoting the sale.

Wide Array from His Possessions

In addition to his suitcase synthesiser, his wind instrument and his vocoders – that he employed creating mechanical-sounding vocals – fans have the opportunity to acquire approximately 500 of Schneider’s personal possessions through bidding.

These include his set over a hundred brass and woodwind instruments, many instant photos, eyewear, his travel document for his travels before 1979 and his VW panel van, which he custom-painted grey.

The bike he rode, featured during the band's video also pictured on the cover art, is also for sale on 19 November.

Auction Details

The approximate sum of the sale ranges from $450,000 to $650,000.

The group was revolutionary – they were one of the first bands employing synthesizers producing sounds entirely new to listeners.

Additional artists considered their music “mind-blowing”. They suddenly discovered this new pathway for compositions pioneered by the band. This motivated a lot of bands to move in the direction of using synthesised electronic music.

Highlighted Items

• One voice modulator probably utilized on albums on their albums The Man Machine in 1978 and early '80s work may go for $30K–$50K.
• The portable EMS model thought to be employed in early work the famous record is valued at $15,000 to $20,000.
• The flute, a classic design featured in performances during live acts through the early '70s, is valued at up to five figures.

Quirky and Personal Items

In the affordable range, an assortment with dozens of snapshots photographed by him showing his musical tools can be bought for $100 to $200.

More unusual pieces, such as a see-through, colorful bass and a “very unique” insect replica, displayed on Schneider’s studio wall, have estimates of $200 to $400.

The musician's green-lens sunglasses along with instant photos of him wearing them are estimated at under $500.

Estate’s Statement

His view was that instruments should be used and shared – not stored away or collecting dust. His desire was his equipment to go to enthusiasts that will cherish them: musicians, collectors and those inspired by the art of sound.

Enduring Impact

Considering Kraftwerk’s influence, one noted musician said: “From the early days, we loved Kraftwerk. Their work that had us sit up and say: this is new. They created something different … something completely new – they intentionally avoided earlier approaches.”