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He was trailblazer within synth-based sounds whose band the pioneering act redefined popular music while inspiring artists including Bowie, New Order, Coldplay, and Run-DMC.

Presently, his synth gear and musical instruments employed by Schneider in crafting the group's famous compositions throughout two decades could fetch a high six-figure sum during the upcoming sale at auction next month.

Rare Glimpse of Late Personal Work

Recordings for a solo project that Schneider was working on just before he died from cancer in his seventies in 2020 can be heard for the first time through a clip related to the event.

Extensive Collection of His Items

In addition to his suitcase synthesiser, his flute and robotic voice devices – utilized by him creating mechanical-sounding vocals – fans will get a chance to buy nearly 500 items from his estate in the sale.

Among them are his set of more than 100 wind and brass items, numerous Polaroid photographs, eyewear, his travel document used on tour through the late '70s and his VW panel van, given a gray finish.

The bike he rode, featured in Kraftwerk’s Tour de France music video also pictured on the cover art, will be auctioned later this month.

Sale Information

The projected worth of the sale ranges from $450,000 to $650,000.

They were innovators – they were one of the first bands employing synthesizers producing sounds unlike anything prior.

Additional artists found their tracks incredible. They came across an innovative direction for compositions that Kraftwerk created. This motivated numerous artists to explore synthesizer-based tunes.

Highlighted Items

• A vocoder probably the one Kraftwerk used in productions during their peak and Computer World in 1981 could fetch $30,000 to $50,000.
• A suitcase synthesizer likely employed in early work the famous record has an estimate of a mid-range sum.
• The alto flute, an Orsi G alto played by him on stage with the synthesiser through the early '70s, may sell for $8,000 to $10,000.

Unique Belongings

In the affordable range, an assortment with dozens of snapshots Schneider took showing his musical tools is on sale for $100 to $200.

Additional unique items, such as a see-through, vibrant yellow instrument plus a distinctive fly sculpture, displayed in his workspace, are priced at a few hundred.

Schneider’s gold-framed eyewear with green lenses and Polaroid photographs of him wearing them could sell for $300–$500.

Official Message

He felt that gear deserves activity and enjoyed by others – not left unused or remaining untouched. His desire was his tools to go to people that will cherish them: performers, hobbyists and admirers by the art of sound.

Lasting Influence

Recalling Kraftwerk’s influence, an influential artist commented: Starting out, we were fans. That record that made us all take notice: what is this?. They produced something different … something completely new – they intentionally avoided previous styles.”