Electronic Music Pioneer's Legendary Instruments Are Featured in US Auction
This trailblazer of electronic music whose band the German electronic band revolutionized popular music and influenced musicians including Bowie, New Order, Coldplay, and Run-DMC.
Now, the musical tools and performance items that Florian Schneider used in crafting some of the band’s best-known songs during the '70s and '80s may bring in substantial bids during the upcoming sale in a November auction.
Rare Glimpse for Final Personal Work
Music from an independent endeavor he had been creating prior to his passing after a cancer diagnosis at 73 years old two years ago can be heard initially through a clip related to the event.
Wide Array of His Items
In addition to the compact synthesizer, the wooden flute plus voice modulators – which he used creating mechanical-sounding vocals – fans have the opportunity to acquire nearly 500 his personal effects at the auction.
This encompasses the assortment of more than 100 brass and woodwind instruments, many instant photos, eyewear, the passport used on tour until 1978 and his VW panel van, which he custom-painted grey.
His cycling gear, featured in Kraftwerk’s Tour de France music video and is depicted on the cover art, will also go under the hammer on 19 November.
Bidding Particulars
The projected worth for the auction ranges from $450,000 to $650,000.
They were innovators – among the earliest acts employing synthesizers and they created music entirely new to listeners.
Other bands considered their music “mind-blowing”. They came across this new pathway in music developed by the group. It encouraged many acts to explore synthesizer-based tunes.
Featured Lots
- A vocoder that is likely the one Kraftwerk used in productions from the late '70s plus later releases could fetch $30,000 to $50,000.
- A suitcase synthesizer likely employed in early work the famous record is appraised for a mid-range sum.
- The flute, an Orsi G alto played by him during live acts until 1974, may sell for $8,000 to $10,000.
Distinctive Objects
Among the lowest-priced items, a collection of about 90 Polaroid photographs he captured showing his musical tools is on sale for $100 to $200.
Additional unique items, like a clear, colorful bass and an unusual fly sculpture, displayed at his studio, have estimates of $200–$400.
Schneider’s gold-framed green-lens sunglasses along with instant photos of him wearing them could sell for $300–$500.
Family’s Words
He always believed that gear deserves activity and enjoyed by others – not stored away or collecting dust. He wanted his equipment to be passed to individuals who appreciate them: performers, hobbyists and admirers through music.
Ongoing Legacy
Recalling the band's impact, an influential artist commented: Starting out, we were fans. Autobahn was an album that made us all sit up and say: what is this?. They were doing unique material … something completely new – they intentionally avoided the past.”
