Kraftwerk Co-Founder's Legendary Gear Head to US Auction

This trailblazer within synth-based sounds and his ensemble the pioneering act redefined the sound of pop and impacting musicians including Bowie, New Order, Coldplay, and Run-DMC.

Presently, the electronic equipment along with devices that Florian Schneider used to create the group's famous compositions during the '70s and '80s are estimated to earn hundreds of thousands of dollars during the upcoming sale at auction next month.

Exclusive Preview into Unreleased Individual Composition

Recordings from an independent endeavor that Schneider was working on just before he died from cancer in his seventies in 2020 is available for the first time through a clip promoting the sale.

Extensive Collection of His Items

Together with his suitcase synthesiser, the wooden flute plus voice modulators – that he employed for robotic vocal effects – collectors have the opportunity to acquire around five hundred of Schneider’s personal possessions in the sale.

These include his set over a hundred wind and brass items, several snapshots, his shades, his travel document used on tour before 1979 and his VW panel van, painted in a gray hue.

The bike he rode, featured in Kraftwerk’s Tour de France music video and shown on the single’s artwork, will be auctioned this November 19.

Sale Information

The projected worth for the auction falls between $450K and $650K.

They were innovators – 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”. They came across a fresh route within sound that Kraftwerk created. It encouraged a lot of bands to explore synthesizer-based tunes.

Highlighted Items

• One voice modulator probably the one Kraftwerk used for recordings The Man Machine in 1978 and early '80s work is expected to sell $30,000 to $50,000.
• A suitcase synthesizer likely the one used in early work their iconic release is appraised for $15,000 to $20,000.
• The alto flute, a classic design featured in performances during live acts before moving on, may sell for $8K–$10K.

Quirky and Personal Items

For smaller budgets, a group with dozens of snapshots Schneider took featuring his wind collection is available for $100 to $200.

Additional unique items, like a clear, colorful bass and a “very unique” 16-inch model of a fly, displayed in his workspace, are priced at a few hundred.

His framed green-tinted shades plus snapshots featuring the glasses could sell for $300–$500.

Family’s Words

He felt that they are meant to be played and enjoyed by others – not sitting idle or remaining untouched. He hoped his tools to go to people who appreciate them: performers, hobbyists and admirers by audio creativity.

Lasting Influence

Reflecting on Kraftwerk’s influence, a well-known drummer said: Initially, they inspired us. That record that made us all take notice: this is new. They were doing unique material … something completely new – they were consciously rejecting the past.”