Florian Schneider's Iconic Instruments Head to American Sale

As a innovator within synth-based sounds whose band Kraftwerk revolutionized popular music and influenced musicians ranging from Bowie to Run-DMC.

Now, the electronic equipment along with devices employed by Schneider to create some of the band’s best-known songs throughout two decades could fetch hundreds of thousands of dollars as they go under the hammer in a November auction.

First Listen of Late Personal Work

Recordings related to his own venture that Schneider was working on just before he died after a cancer diagnosis in his seventies two years ago can be heard initially through a clip about the auction.

Vast Assortment from His Possessions

In addition to the compact synthesizer, his flute and robotic voice devices – that he employed to make his voice sound like a robot – enthusiasts will get a chance to purchase approximately 500 his personal effects in the sale.

This encompasses his set exceeding 100 brass and woodwind instruments, several snapshots, his sunglasses, the ID he used while touring until 1978 plus his custom van, painted in a gray hue.

His Panasonic Panaracer bicycle, featured in Kraftwerk’s Tour de France music video also pictured in the release's graphics, will be auctioned later this month.

Bidding Particulars

The projected worth for the auction falls between $450K and $650K.

They were innovators – among the earliest acts with electronic gear and they created music entirely new to listeners.

Other bands considered their music “mind-blowing”. It revealed an innovative direction within sound that Kraftwerk created. This motivated a lot of bands to explore electronic synth sounds.

Highlighted Items

  • A vocoder probably employed by the band in productions during their peak and Computer World in 1981 may go for a high estimate.
  • The portable EMS model believed to be the one used for Autobahn the famous record has an estimate of $15,000 to $20,000.
  • The flute, an Orsi G alto played by him during live acts until 1974, is valued at up to five figures.

Quirky and Personal Items

Among the lowest-priced items, a group with dozens of snapshots photographed by him showing his musical tools is on sale for a modest sum.

Additional unique items, including a transparent, colorful bass and a “very unique” insect replica, which was mounted on Schneider’s studio wall, are priced at $200–$400.

Schneider’s gold-framed eyewear with green lenses plus snapshots featuring the glasses could sell for $300 to $500.

Estate’s Statement

His view was that gear deserves activity and shared – not left unused or gathering dust in storage. His desire was his tools to be passed to individuals who appreciate them: performers, hobbyists and admirers through music.

Lasting Influence

Considering Kraftwerk’s influence, an influential artist stated: Starting out, we loved Kraftwerk. Autobahn was an album that made us all pay attention: this is new. They created unique material … something completely new – they were consciously rejecting the past.”

Amy Carey
Amy Carey

A passionate gaming journalist with over a decade of experience covering esports and indie game developments.