Electronic Music Pioneer's Iconic Instruments Go to American Sale
As a innovator of electronic music with the group Kraftwerk transformed the sound of pop while inspiring artists ranging from Bowie to Run-DMC.
Presently, the musical tools along with devices employed by Schneider for producing the group's famous compositions in the 1970s and 1980s are estimated to earn a high six-figure sum when they are sold this coming month.
First Listen into Final Personal Work
Music from an independent endeavor he had been creating shortly before his death from cancer at 73 years old in 2020 is available for the first time in a video promoting the sale.
Extensive Collection from His Possessions
Alongside his portable synth, his flute and his vocoders – utilized by him to make his voice sound like a robot – collectors will get a chance to buy approximately 500 of Schneider’s personal possessions in the sale.
Among them are the assortment over a hundred wind and brass items, numerous Polaroid photographs, eyewear, his travel document used on tour through the late '70s plus his custom van, given a gray finish.
His Panasonic Panaracer bicycle, used by him 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 approximate sum from the event falls between $450K and $650K.
Kraftwerk were groundbreaking – they were one of the first bands employing synthesizers and they created music that no one had ever heard of before.
Additional artists found their tracks incredible. They came across a fresh route within sound pioneered by the band. It encouraged numerous artists to shift towards of using synthesised electronic music.
Highlighted Items
- An effects unit possibly the one Kraftwerk used for recordings The Man Machine in 1978 plus later releases may go for a high estimate.
- An EMS Synthi AKS likely the one used on Kraftwerk’s 1974 album Autobahn has an estimate of $15,000 to $20,000.
- The flute, an Orsi G alto featured in performances alongside electronic gear before moving on, may sell for up to five figures.
Unique Belongings
For smaller budgets, a collection with dozens of snapshots he captured showing his musical tools is available for $100 to $200.
Additional unique items, like a clear, vibrant yellow instrument and an unusual insect replica, which was mounted on Schneider’s studio wall, are priced at a few hundred.
His framed eyewear with green lenses and Polaroid photographs of him wearing them are estimated at $300 to $500.
Estate’s Statement
He felt that instruments should be used and enjoyed by others – not stored away or gathering dust in storage. He hoped his equipment to find their way to enthusiasts that will cherish them: performers, hobbyists and admirers through music.
Enduring Impact
Recalling Kraftwerk’s influence, a well-known drummer stated: Initially, they inspired us. Their work which prompted us sit up and say: what is this?. They were doing innovative work … entirely original – they deliberately moved past earlier approaches.”