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He was trailblazer within synth-based sounds whose band the German electronic band revolutionized the sound of pop and impacting artists from David Bowie and New Order to Coldplay and Run-DMC.

Presently, the musical tools and musical instruments that Florian Schneider used in crafting Kraftwerk's iconic tracks in the 1970s and 1980s are estimated to earn substantial bids as they go under the hammer at auction next month.

Exclusive Preview of Late Personal Work

Music from an independent endeavor that Schneider was working on just before he died after a cancer diagnosis at 73 years old two years ago can be heard as a debut in a video about the auction.

Vast Assortment of His Items

Alongside his portable synth, his wind instrument and robotic voice devices – which he used for robotic vocal effects – collectors will get a chance to acquire approximately 500 of Schneider’s personal possessions at the auction.

Among them are his set over a hundred musical wind tools, numerous Polaroid photographs, his sunglasses, the ID he used while touring before 1979 and Volkswagen vehicle, painted in a gray hue.

The bike he rode, which he rode in Kraftwerk’s Tour de France music video also pictured in the release's graphics, will be auctioned later this month.

Sale Information

The total estimated value from the event is $450,000 to $650,000.

They were innovators – they were one of the first bands with electronic gear producing sounds unlike anything prior.

Other bands viewed their songs astonishing. It revealed a fresh route for compositions that Kraftwerk created. It encouraged many acts to move in the direction of using synthesised electronic music.

Notable Pieces

• One voice modulator possibly utilized on albums for recordings during their peak and Computer World in 1981 is expected to sell $30,000 to $50,000.
• An EMS Synthi AKS thought to be utilized in early work their iconic release has an estimate of $15K–$20K.
• The alto flute, an Orsi G alto played by him during live acts through the early '70s, is valued at up to five figures.

Unique Belongings

For smaller budgets, an assortment of nearly 100 instant photos photographed by him featuring his wind collection is available for a modest sum.

Additional unique items, such as a see-through, bright yellow acrylic guitar and a “very unique” insect replica, placed at his studio, are priced at $200 to $400.

His framed eyewear with green lenses plus snapshots of him wearing them could sell for under $500.

Family’s Words

He always believed that instruments should be used and enjoyed by others – not left unused or remaining untouched. He wanted his equipment to find their way to enthusiasts who appreciate them: musicians, collectors and those inspired through music.

Enduring Impact

Recalling the band's impact, an influential artist stated: Initially, we loved Kraftwerk. Autobahn was an album that had us sit up and say: this is new. They produced something different … fresh sounds – they intentionally avoided the past.”