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He was trailblazer of electronic music whose band the German electronic band transformed the sound of pop and impacting performers from David Bowie and New Order to Coldplay and Run-DMC.

Now, his synth gear and musical instruments utilized by the musician to create Kraftwerk's iconic tracks during the '70s and '80s may bring in hundreds of thousands of dollars as they go under the hammer in a November auction.

Exclusive Preview of Unreleased Personal Work

Recordings related to his own venture he had been creating just before he died due to cancer aged 73 two years ago is available as a debut in a video related to the event.

Wide Array of His Items

Together with the compact synthesizer, the wooden flute plus voice modulators – which he used to make his voice sound like a robot – enthusiasts can try to buy approximately 500 his personal effects at the auction.

These include his set exceeding 100 brass and woodwind instruments, many instant photos, eyewear, the ID he used while touring before 1979 and his VW panel van, painted in a gray hue.

His cycling gear, featured in Kraftwerk’s Tour de France music video also pictured on the cover art, will also go under the hammer on 19 November.

Auction Details

The total estimated value of the sale 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.

Fellow musicians considered their music “mind-blowing”. They suddenly discovered this new pathway within sound developed by the group. This motivated numerous artists to explore of using synthesised electronic music.

Notable Pieces

• A vocoder possibly the one Kraftwerk used for recordings from the late '70s and early '80s work may go for $30,000 to $50,000.
• A suitcase synthesizer likely employed for Autobahn Autobahn is valued at $15K–$20K.
• The alto flute, a classic design that Schneider used during live acts before moving on, may sell for $8,000 to $10,000.

Unique Belongings

For smaller budgets, a collection with dozens of snapshots Schneider took showing his musical tools is available at a low estimate.

Additional unique items, including a transparent, bright yellow acrylic guitar and a “very unique” insect replica, displayed in his workspace, have estimates of a few hundred.

Schneider’s gold-framed green-tinted shades and Polaroid photographs of him wearing them could sell for under $500.

Family’s Words

His view was that gear deserves activity and circulated – not sitting idle or gathering dust in storage. His desire was his tools to be passed to people who appreciate them: musicians, collectors and fans by audio creativity.

Enduring Impact

Considering Kraftwerk’s influence, one noted musician stated: Initially, we loved Kraftwerk. Their work that made us all sit up and say: this is new. They were doing unique material … fresh sounds – they were consciously rejecting the past.”