Florian Schneider's Iconic Gear Head to American Sale
As a innovator in the electronic genre whose band the German electronic band transformed mainstream melodies and impacting musicians ranging from Bowie to Run-DMC.
Presently, the musical tools and performance items employed by Schneider in crafting Kraftwerk's iconic tracks in the 1970s and 1980s are estimated to earn substantial bids during the upcoming sale at auction next month.
Rare Glimpse for Unreleased Personal Work
Music for a solo project the artist was developing prior to his passing after a cancer diagnosis at 73 years old two years ago is available for the first time in a video about the auction.
Vast Assortment from His Possessions
In addition to his suitcase synthesiser, the wooden flute and his vocoders – which he used for robotic vocal effects – collectors have the opportunity to purchase approximately 500 of Schneider’s personal possessions in the sale.
These include his set exceeding 100 musical wind tools, several snapshots, eyewear, the ID he used while touring until 1978 and Volkswagen vehicle, which he custom-painted grey.
His cycling gear, featured in Kraftwerk’s Tour de France music video also pictured on the single’s artwork, is also for sale this November 19.
Bidding Particulars
The total estimated value for the auction falls between $450K and $650K.
Kraftwerk were groundbreaking – among the earliest acts with electronic gear producing sounds that no one had ever heard of before.
Fellow musicians viewed their songs “mind-blowing”. They came across a fresh route in music that Kraftwerk created. It encouraged many acts to explore of using synthesised electronic music.
Featured Lots
- One voice modulator possibly utilized on albums for recordings from the late '70s plus later releases could fetch $30K–$50K.
- An EMS Synthi AKS believed to be employed in early work their iconic release is appraised for $15,000 to $20,000.
- The flute, a specific model that Schneider used during live acts before moving on, is valued at $8K–$10K.
Unique Belongings
Among the lowest-priced items, an assortment of about 90 Polaroid photographs Schneider took featuring his wind collection can be bought at a low estimate.
Additional unique items, such as a see-through, bright yellow acrylic guitar plus a distinctive 16-inch model of a fly, displayed on Schneider’s studio wall, may go for a few hundred.
His framed eyewear with green lenses and Polaroid photographs showing him with these could sell for $300 to $500.
Estate’s Statement
He felt that instruments should be used and shared – not left unused or collecting dust. His desire was his equipment to be passed to people who would truly value them: musicians, collectors and admirers by audio creativity.
Enduring Impact
Considering the band's impact, one noted musician said: “From the early days, they inspired us. Their work that made us all pay attention: what’s this?. They produced something different … fresh sounds – they deliberately moved past earlier approaches.”