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As a trailblazer within synth-based sounds and his ensemble the German electronic band revolutionized mainstream melodies and impacting performers including Bowie, New Order, Coldplay, and Run-DMC.

Currently, the musical tools along with devices that Florian Schneider used in crafting the group's famous compositions in the 1970s and 1980s may bring in substantial bids as they go under the hammer at auction next month.

Exclusive Preview of Unreleased Solo Project

Music from an independent endeavor the artist was developing shortly before his death due to cancer aged 73 back in 2020 is being shared as a debut in a video promoting the sale.

Extensive Collection from His Possessions

Together with his portable synth, the wooden flute and his vocoders – utilized by him creating mechanical-sounding vocals – enthusiasts will get a chance to buy nearly 500 items from his estate through bidding.

Among them are the assortment exceeding 100 brass and woodwind instruments, numerous Polaroid photographs, his sunglasses, his travel document used on tour before 1979 and his VW panel van, which he custom-painted grey.

His Panasonic Panaracer bicycle, featured for the Tour de France clip and shown on the cover art, is also for sale later this month.

Auction Details

The projected worth of the sale falls between $450K and $650K.

Kraftwerk were groundbreaking – as pioneers employing synthesizers producing sounds that no one had ever heard of before.

Additional artists considered their music incredible. They came across this new pathway within sound developed by the group. It encouraged numerous artists to move in the direction electronic synth sounds.

Notable Pieces

• A vocoder probably utilized on albums on their albums The Man Machine in 1978 and early '80s work is expected to sell $30K–$50K.
• A suitcase synthesizer believed to be employed in early work their iconic release is valued at $15K–$20K.
• The alto flute, a specific model featured in performances on stage with the synthesiser before moving on, is valued at up to five figures.

Quirky and Personal Items

Among the lowest-priced items, an assortment of about 90 Polaroid photographs photographed by him of his woodwind and brass instruments is available for $100 to $200.

Additional unique items, such as a see-through, vibrant yellow instrument plus a distinctive insect replica, which was mounted at his studio, may go for $200–$400.

His framed green-tinted shades and Polaroid photographs showing him with these are listed at under $500.

Family’s Words

He always believed that they are meant to be played and circulated – not stored away or gathering dust in storage. He wanted his instruments to be passed to people who would truly value them: artists, gatherers and those inspired through music.

Enduring Impact

Recalling Kraftwerk’s influence, a well-known drummer stated: Initially, we loved Kraftwerk. That record that made us all sit up and say: this is new. They created innovative work … entirely original – they were consciously rejecting previous styles.”