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As a trailblazer in the electronic genre whose band Kraftwerk transformed the sound of pop and impacting musicians from David Bowie and New Order to Coldplay and Run-DMC.

Presently, his synth gear and performance items utilized by the musician in crafting Kraftwerk's iconic tracks in the 1970s and 1980s may bring in a high six-figure sum as they go under the hammer in a November auction.

Rare Glimpse of Final Personal Work

Compositions for a solo project that Schneider was working on just before he died due to cancer aged 73 in 2020 can be heard for the first time in a video about the auction.

Wide Array of Personal Belongings

Together with his suitcase synthesiser, his flute and robotic voice devices – which he used creating mechanical-sounding vocals – enthusiasts will get a chance to acquire approximately 500 his personal effects in the sale.

Among them are the assortment exceeding 100 musical wind tools, many instant photos, eyewear, the passport used on tour before 1979 plus his custom van, painted in a gray hue.

His cycling gear, used by him in Kraftwerk’s Tour de France music video and shown in the release's graphics, will be auctioned on 19 November.

Bidding Particulars

The total estimated value of the sale is $450,000 to $650,000.

The group was revolutionary – among the earliest acts employing synthesizers and they created music unlike anything prior.

Fellow musicians viewed their songs astonishing. They came across this new pathway within sound that Kraftwerk created. It inspired a lot of bands to move in the direction synthesizer-based tunes.

Highlighted Items

• One voice modulator probably the one Kraftwerk used for recordings from the late '70s and Computer World in 1981 may go for $30K–$50K.
• The portable EMS model believed to be the one used on Kraftwerk’s 1974 album the famous record is appraised for $15,000 to $20,000.
• The flute, a specific model that Schneider used alongside electronic gear through the early '70s, may sell for up to five figures.

Quirky and Personal Items

Among the lowest-priced items, a collection with dozens of snapshots photographed by him showing his musical tools can be bought for a modest sum.

Additional unique items, like a clear, vibrant yellow instrument and a “very unique” insect replica, which was mounted on Schneider’s studio wall, may go for $200 to $400.

The musician's green-lens sunglasses and Polaroid photographs showing him with these could sell for $300 to $500.

Family’s Words

He felt that gear deserves activity and shared – not stored away or remaining untouched. He wanted his tools to be passed to people who would truly value them: musicians, collectors and fans by the art of sound.

Ongoing Legacy

Reflecting on the band's impact, an influential artist said: Starting out, we loved Kraftwerk. Their work that made us all take notice: this is new. They produced innovative work … entirely original – they intentionally avoided previous styles.”