Electronic Music Pioneer's Historic Instruments Go to Stateside Bidding
This innovator in the electronic genre and his ensemble Kraftwerk redefined the sound of pop while inspiring musicians from David Bowie and New Order to Coldplay and Run-DMC.
Now, the musical tools and musical instruments employed by Schneider to create Kraftwerk's iconic tracks during the '70s and '80s could fetch substantial bids when they are sold at auction next month.
Rare Glimpse into Late Personal Work
Recordings related to his own venture that Schneider was working on just before he died due to cancer at 73 years old in 2020 is available initially in a video related to the event.
Vast Assortment from His Possessions
Together with his suitcase synthesiser, the wooden flute plus voice modulators – that he employed creating mechanical-sounding vocals – enthusiasts have the opportunity to purchase nearly 500 his personal effects in the sale.
Among them are his collection over a hundred brass and woodwind instruments, several snapshots, eyewear, the passport for his travels before 1979 plus his custom van, which he custom-painted grey.
His Panasonic Panaracer bicycle, which he rode in Kraftwerk’s Tour de France music video and is depicted on the single’s artwork, will also go under the hammer on 19 November.
Bidding Particulars
The approximate sum from the event ranges from $450,000 to $650,000.
They were innovators – among the earliest acts employing synthesizers producing sounds entirely new to listeners.
Additional artists viewed their songs astonishing. It revealed a fresh route within sound that Kraftwerk created. This motivated many acts to shift towards of using synthesised electronic music.
Notable Pieces
- An effects unit possibly the one Kraftwerk used in productions from the late '70s plus later releases may go for $30K–$50K.
- A suitcase synthesizer likely the one used in early work Autobahn is appraised for $15K–$20K.
- The flute, an Orsi G alto that Schneider used alongside electronic gear through the early '70s, carries an estimate of $8,000 to $10,000.
Quirky and Personal Items
Among the lowest-priced items, a group of nearly 100 instant photos Schneider took featuring his wind collection is on sale for $100 to $200.
More unusual pieces, like a clear, colorful bass and a “very unique” 16-inch model of a fly, which was mounted on Schneider’s studio wall, are priced at a few hundred.
His framed green-lens sunglasses and Polaroid photographs of him wearing them are listed at under $500.
Estate’s Statement
His view was that they are meant to be played and circulated – not left unused or gathering dust in storage. He wanted his instruments to be passed to people that will cherish them: performers, hobbyists and those inspired by audio creativity.
Ongoing Legacy
Recalling the band's impact, an influential artist commented: Starting out, we loved Kraftwerk. Their work which prompted us take notice: what is this?. They were doing something different … something completely new – they intentionally avoided previous styles.”