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He was pioneer in the electronic genre with the group the pioneering act revolutionized the sound of pop and impacting artists from David Bowie and New Order to Coldplay and Run-DMC.

Presently, the electronic equipment along with devices employed by Schneider for producing the group's famous compositions during the '70s and '80s are estimated to earn a high six-figure sum during the upcoming sale at auction next month.

Rare Glimpse of Unreleased Solo Project

Compositions from an independent endeavor that Schneider was working on shortly before his death due to cancer aged 73 two years ago is available initially via footage related to the event.

Extensive Collection from His Possessions

Together with his suitcase synthesiser, his flute and robotic voice devices – which he used creating mechanical-sounding vocals – fans will get a chance to buy around five hundred of Schneider’s personal possessions in the sale.

Among them are his set over a hundred wind and brass items, numerous Polaroid photographs, his shades, his travel document he used while touring through the late '70s and his VW panel van, which he custom-painted grey.

The bike he rode, featured during the band's video and is depicted on the cover art, will also go under the hammer on 19 November.

Auction Details

The approximate sum of the sale ranges from $450,000 to $650,000.

Kraftwerk were groundbreaking – they were one of the first bands that used synthesisers producing sounds entirely new to listeners.

Other bands viewed their songs incredible. They suddenly discovered this new pathway within sound pioneered by the band. It inspired a lot of bands to move in the direction of using synthesised electronic music.

Featured Lots

• An effects unit that is likely employed by the band for recordings during their peak and Computer World in 1981 could fetch $30K–$50K.
• The portable EMS model likely the one used in early work their iconic release is appraised for $15,000 to $20,000.
• The alto flute, a classic design featured in performances during live acts through the early '70s, carries an estimate of $8K–$10K.

Quirky and Personal Items

In the affordable range, a group of about 90 Polaroid photographs photographed by him showing his musical tools can be bought at a low estimate.

More unusual pieces, like a clear, colorful bass and a “very unique” 16-inch model of a fly, which was mounted on Schneider’s studio wall, have estimates of $200–$400.

Schneider’s gold-framed green-lens sunglasses along with instant photos showing him with these are estimated at $300 to $500.

Family’s Words

His view was that they are meant to be played and shared – not stored away or remaining untouched. His desire was his instruments to be passed to enthusiasts that will cherish them: musicians, collectors and fans through music.

Ongoing Legacy

Reflecting on the band's impact, a well-known drummer said: “From the early days, they inspired us. Autobahn was an album that made us all sit up and say: what’s this?. They created something different … entirely original – they intentionally avoided the past.”