Kraftwerk Co-Founder's Iconic Instruments Go to Stateside Bidding
As a trailblazer in the electronic genre whose band the German electronic band redefined popular music and influenced artists including Bowie, New Order, Coldplay, and Run-DMC.
Now, the musical tools along with devices that Florian Schneider used for producing some of the band’s best-known songs during the '70s and '80s are estimated to earn a high six-figure sum as they go under the hammer this coming month.
Rare Glimpse of Late Solo Project
Music from an independent endeavor the artist was developing prior to his passing from cancer aged 73 two years ago can be heard initially via footage about the auction.
Extensive Collection from His Possessions
Alongside his suitcase synthesiser, his flute and robotic voice devices – that he employed to make his voice sound like a robot – enthusiasts have the opportunity to buy around five hundred items from his estate at the auction.
These include his set over a hundred wind and brass items, several snapshots, his sunglasses, the ID used on tour until 1978 and his VW panel van, which he custom-painted grey.
His Panasonic Panaracer bicycle, used by him in Kraftwerk’s Tour de France music video and shown on the cover art, will also go under the hammer this November 19.
Sale Information
The total estimated value of the sale falls between $450K and $650K.
The group was revolutionary – they were one of the first bands with electronic gear and they created music that no one had ever heard of before.
Fellow musicians found their tracks astonishing. They suddenly discovered a fresh route for compositions that Kraftwerk created. It encouraged numerous artists to shift towards electronic synth sounds.
Notable Pieces
- An effects unit possibly employed by the band in productions The Man Machine in 1978 plus later releases could fetch a high estimate.
- The portable EMS model believed to be employed in early work the famous record is valued at $15K–$20K.
- The alto flute, a classic design featured in performances during live acts through the early '70s, may sell for $8K–$10K.
Quirky and Personal Items
Among the lowest-priced items, a group with dozens of snapshots Schneider took featuring his wind collection is on sale at a low estimate.
Other quirky objects, such as a see-through, colorful bass and a “very unique” 16-inch model of a fly, displayed in his workspace, are priced at $200–$400.
Schneider’s gold-framed green-lens sunglasses plus snapshots of him wearing them are listed at under $500.
Family’s Words
His view was that they are meant to be played and circulated – not sitting idle or collecting dust. He wanted his tools to be passed to people who appreciate them: musicians, collectors and admirers through music.
Enduring Impact
Considering the band's impact, a well-known drummer commented: “From the early days, we were fans. Autobahn was an album that had us pay attention: what is this?. They produced something different … fresh sounds – they intentionally avoided the past.”