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As a trailblazer within synth-based sounds whose band the pioneering act revolutionized mainstream melodies and impacting musicians from David Bowie and New Order to Coldplay and Run-DMC.

Now, the electronic equipment and musical instruments utilized by the musician to create Kraftwerk's iconic tracks throughout two decades are estimated to earn a high six-figure sum during the upcoming sale at auction next month.

Exclusive Preview of Unreleased Individual Composition

Compositions related to his own venture that Schneider was working on shortly before his death from cancer aged 73 in 2020 can be heard for the first time via footage related to the event.

Extensive Collection from His Possessions

Together with his suitcase synthesiser, his wind instrument plus voice modulators – which he used to make his voice sound like a robot – fans have the opportunity to buy approximately 500 items from his estate at the auction.

This encompasses the assortment of more than 100 musical wind tools, numerous Polaroid photographs, his shades, his travel document he used while touring before 1979 and his VW panel van, given a gray finish.

His cycling gear, which he rode for the Tour de France clip and shown on the cover art, is also for sale later this month.

Bidding Particulars

The projected worth from the event falls between $450K and $650K.

Kraftwerk were groundbreaking – among the earliest acts employing synthesizers and they created music that no one had ever heard of before.

Fellow musicians considered their music astonishing. It revealed an innovative direction within sound pioneered by the band. This motivated many acts to shift towards of using synthesised electronic music.

Notable Pieces

• A vocoder probably utilized on albums for recordings from the late '70s plus later releases could fetch $30,000 to $50,000.
• An EMS Synthi AKS likely employed for Autobahn Autobahn has an estimate of $15,000 to $20,000.
• His wind instrument, an Orsi G alto featured in performances on stage with the synthesiser through the early '70s, carries an estimate of up to five figures.

Quirky and Personal Items

For smaller budgets, a group of about 90 Polaroid photographs he captured of his woodwind and brass instruments is on sale for $100 to $200.

More unusual pieces, like a clear, bright yellow acrylic guitar plus a distinctive insect replica, displayed in his workspace, have estimates of $200 to $400.

The musician's green-tinted shades along with instant photos showing him with these are estimated at under $500.

Estate’s Statement

His view was that they are meant to be played and shared – not left unused or collecting dust. His desire was his tools to find their way to enthusiasts who appreciate them: artists, gatherers and those inspired by the art of sound.

Lasting Influence

Recalling the band's impact, one noted musician said: Starting out, we were fans. Autobahn was an album that made us all pay attention: what’s this?. They were doing unique material … entirely original – they were consciously rejecting earlier approaches.”