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As a pioneer of electronic music with the group the German electronic band transformed popular music while inspiring musicians ranging from Bowie to Run-DMC.

Currently, the musical tools and performance items employed by Schneider for producing some of the band’s best-known songs throughout two decades may bring in a high six-figure sum as they go under the hammer in a November auction.

First Listen for Final Solo Project

Recordings related to his own venture the artist was developing shortly before his death from cancer aged 73 two years ago is available for the first time through a clip promoting the sale.

Vast Assortment of Personal Belongings

In addition to his suitcase synthesiser, his wind instrument and his vocoders – which he used to make his voice sound like a robot – collectors will get a chance to buy around five hundred his personal effects through bidding.

Among them are the assortment over a hundred wind and brass items, several snapshots, his sunglasses, the ID for his travels through the late '70s and his VW panel van, given a gray finish.

His Panasonic Panaracer bicycle, used by him during the band's video also pictured on the single’s artwork, is also for sale on 19 November.

Auction Details

The approximate sum of the sale ranges from $450,000 to $650,000.

Kraftwerk were groundbreaking – among the earliest acts with electronic gear crafting compositions that no one had ever heard of before.

Other bands considered their music incredible. It revealed this new pathway in music pioneered by the band. This motivated a lot of bands to explore of using synthesised electronic music.

Notable Pieces

• A vocoder possibly the one Kraftwerk used on their albums The Man Machine in 1978 and early '80s work could fetch $30,000 to $50,000.
• The portable EMS model thought to be employed on Kraftwerk’s 1974 album the famous record is appraised for a mid-range sum.
• The flute, an Orsi G alto featured in performances during live acts until 1974, is valued at $8,000 to $10,000.

Quirky and Personal Items

Among the lowest-priced items, a collection of about 90 Polaroid photographs photographed by him showing his musical tools is on sale at a low estimate.

More unusual pieces, like a clear, colorful bass plus a distinctive 16-inch model of a fly, displayed at his studio, are priced at $200 to $400.

The musician's green-tinted shades plus snapshots featuring the glasses could sell for $300 to $500.

Official Message

He always believed that they are meant to be played and circulated – not stored away or remaining untouched. He wanted his instruments to go to individuals who would truly value them: musicians, collectors and those inspired by the art of sound.

Enduring Impact

Reflecting on the band's impact, a well-known drummer commented: Starting out, we loved Kraftwerk. Autobahn was an album which prompted us pay attention: what is this?. They were doing unique material … entirely original – they deliberately moved past the past.”