🔗 Share this article Electronic Music Pioneer's Iconic Equipment Go to American Sale He was pioneer in the electronic genre and his ensemble the German electronic band transformed mainstream melodies and impacting artists including Bowie, New Order, Coldplay, and Run-DMC. Now, the musical tools and performance items that Florian Schneider used in crafting the group's famous compositions throughout two decades may bring in hundreds of thousands of dollars during the upcoming sale this coming month. Exclusive Preview of Unreleased Solo Project Recordings from an independent endeavor that Schneider was working on prior to his passing due to cancer aged 73 back in 2020 can be heard initially via footage related to the event. Extensive Collection of Personal Belongings Alongside the compact synthesizer, the wooden flute plus voice modulators – that he employed for robotic vocal effects – enthusiasts have the opportunity to acquire approximately 500 items from his estate in the sale. Among them are the assortment of more than 100 musical wind tools, numerous Polaroid photographs, his shades, the ID used on tour through the late '70s and his VW panel van, painted in a gray hue. His cycling gear, featured during the band's video also pictured on the single’s artwork, is also for sale on 19 November. Auction Details The total estimated value from the event ranges from $450,000 to $650,000. They were innovators – as pioneers employing synthesizers and they created music that no one had ever heard of before. Fellow musicians found their tracks “mind-blowing”. They came across this new pathway in music developed by the group. This motivated many acts to explore electronic synth sounds. Highlighted Items An effects unit that is likely the one Kraftwerk used in productions The Man Machine in 1978 and Computer World in 1981 is expected to sell a high estimate. The portable EMS model likely the one used on Kraftwerk’s 1974 album Autobahn is appraised for $15K–$20K. The flute, a specific model played by him on stage with the synthesiser until 1974, carries an estimate of $8K–$10K. Distinctive Objects For smaller budgets, a collection with dozens of snapshots he captured showing his musical tools can be bought at a low estimate. Additional unique items, including a transparent, bright yellow acrylic guitar and an unusual 16-inch model of a fly, which was mounted at his studio, have estimates of a few hundred. His framed eyewear with green lenses along with instant photos showing him with these are estimated at $300 to $500. Official Message He felt that they are meant to be played and shared – not stored away or remaining untouched. He wanted his equipment to go to people who would truly value them: artists, gatherers and fans by audio creativity. Lasting Influence Reflecting on the band's impact, a well-known drummer stated: Starting out, we loved Kraftwerk. Autobahn was an album that had us sit up and say: this is new. They created something different … something completely new – they were consciously rejecting previous styles.”