Kraftwerk Pioneer Schneider's Musical Instruments Up for Auction in US, Could Fetch Hundreds of Thousands
A collection of rare musical instruments and personal belongings once owned by Florian Schneider, a pioneer of electronic music and founding member of influential band Kraftwerk, are set to go under the hammer at an upcoming auction in Nashville, Tennessee. The estimated value of the sale is between $450,000 and $650,000.
Schneider, who passed away in 2020 aged 73, used these instruments and equipment to create some of Kraftwerk's most iconic songs, including "Autobahn" and "The Man Machine". Fans will be able to purchase nearly 500 personal possessions from Schneider's estate, including a suitcase synthesiser, flute, vocoders, and numerous Polaroid photographs.
Among the items up for auction is an EMS Synthi AKS suitcase synthesiser thought to be the one used on Kraftwerk's 1974 album Autobahn. The instrument is valued at $15,000 to $20,000. Schneider also used a flute, an Orsi G alto, which he played alongside the synthesiser until 1974.
The sale will also include Schneider's Panasonic Panaracer bicycle, which he rode in Kraftwerk's Tour de France music video and is depicted on the single's artwork. The total estimated value of the sale is $450,000 to $650,000, with some items expected to fetch significantly higher prices.
Kraftwerk's influence can be seen in many famous artists, including David Bowie, New Order, Coldplay, and Run-DMC. Giles Moon, head of music at Julien's Auctions, described the band as "groundbreaking" and said they "created a new pathway in music that nobody had ever seen before".
The auction will allow fans to own a piece of Kraftwerk history and continue Schneider's legacy. As Stephen Morris, drummer for Joy Division and New Order, noted: "From the Joy Division days, we loved Kraftwerk. Autobahn was an album that made us all sit up and say: what's this? They were doing something different... something completely new."
A collection of rare musical instruments and personal belongings once owned by Florian Schneider, a pioneer of electronic music and founding member of influential band Kraftwerk, are set to go under the hammer at an upcoming auction in Nashville, Tennessee. The estimated value of the sale is between $450,000 and $650,000.
Schneider, who passed away in 2020 aged 73, used these instruments and equipment to create some of Kraftwerk's most iconic songs, including "Autobahn" and "The Man Machine". Fans will be able to purchase nearly 500 personal possessions from Schneider's estate, including a suitcase synthesiser, flute, vocoders, and numerous Polaroid photographs.
Among the items up for auction is an EMS Synthi AKS suitcase synthesiser thought to be the one used on Kraftwerk's 1974 album Autobahn. The instrument is valued at $15,000 to $20,000. Schneider also used a flute, an Orsi G alto, which he played alongside the synthesiser until 1974.
The sale will also include Schneider's Panasonic Panaracer bicycle, which he rode in Kraftwerk's Tour de France music video and is depicted on the single's artwork. The total estimated value of the sale is $450,000 to $650,000, with some items expected to fetch significantly higher prices.
Kraftwerk's influence can be seen in many famous artists, including David Bowie, New Order, Coldplay, and Run-DMC. Giles Moon, head of music at Julien's Auctions, described the band as "groundbreaking" and said they "created a new pathway in music that nobody had ever seen before".
The auction will allow fans to own a piece of Kraftwerk history and continue Schneider's legacy. As Stephen Morris, drummer for Joy Division and New Order, noted: "From the Joy Division days, we loved Kraftwerk. Autobahn was an album that made us all sit up and say: what's this? They were doing something different... something completely new."
. I mean, they're basically pieces of music history. It's wild to think that someone could just buy a piece of Autobahn and hold it in their hands like it's some kind of collectible item 
. For me, Kraftwerk's music is more than just a bunch of weird synthesizers and beats - it's an experience, you know? They changed the game, literally 
. And to think that these items could be bought and sold like they're just everyday stuff is just sad 
. Still, I guess it's cool for fans to be able to own something that belonged to Schneider 
. Maybe someone out there will appreciate the nostalgia and value it accordingly 
.
anyway im not surprised these kinds of auctions go that high people are willing to pay big bucks for nostalgia and piece of history. id love to see more of kraftwerk's merch up for auction tho like vinyls or posters would be sick 
and thats not even mentioning the flute he played with the synthi aka my dream instrument combo 
can you imagine owning some of kraftwerk's history like that? its a total fanboy dream come true 
Flurion Schneider's stuff is gonna be auctioned off in Nashville & it's like the ultimate music history lesson 
. I mean, Autobahn on a suitcase synth? 
I need that flute tho... 
, just makes it all the more special. I'm not surprised the estimated value is between $450k to $650k - this stuff is gonna fetch some serious cash!
. Can you imagine how many artists and producers have been inspired by Kraftwerk over the years? The fact that David Bowie, New Order, Coldplay, and Run-DMC all cite them as influences is pretty mind-blowing... this sale is gonna be a wild ride! 
! It's like, can you imagine owning a piece of history from one of the pioneers of electronic music? Florian Schneider was a total game-changer and his instruments are just incredible. I mean, who wouldn't want to own an EMS Synthi AKS suitcase synthesiser that was used on "Autobahn"? It's like having a piece of a musical time machine in your hands 
David Bowie, New Order, Coldplay, and Run-DMC all cite him as an influence... talk about impact! 
So, if u're a die-hard Kraftwerk fan, this is the chance to own some of Schneider's old gear and be like, "I had this stuff before it was cool" 
. The fact that his personal belongings, including the iconic EMS Synthi AKS suitcase synthesiser used on Kraftwerk's Autobahn album, will be available for fans to purchase is a testament to the enduring legacy of this influential band