Florian Schneider's Legendary Instruments Head to American Sale
As a innovator of electronic music with the group the pioneering act revolutionized mainstream melodies and impacting musicians from David Bowie and New Order to Coldplay and Run-DMC.
Now, his synth gear along with devices utilized by the musician in crafting 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.
Rare Glimpse of Final Personal Work
Recordings for a solo project the artist was developing just before he died due to cancer in his seventies in 2020 is being shared as a debut through a clip about the auction.
Extensive Collection from His Possessions
In addition to his suitcase synthesiser, his wind instrument and robotic voice devices – that he employed to make his voice sound like a robot – collectors can try to purchase nearly 500 his personal effects through bidding.
Among them are his collection of more than 100 brass and woodwind instruments, many instant photos, eyewear, the ID used on tour until 1978 plus his custom van, given a gray finish.
His Panasonic Panaracer bicycle, used by him for the Tour de France clip and shown on the single’s artwork, is also for sale on 19 November.
Sale Information
The approximate sum of the sale ranges from $450,000 to $650,000.
They were innovators – they were one of the first bands with electronic gear crafting compositions that no one had ever heard of before.
Fellow musicians considered their music astonishing. They came across this new pathway in music developed by the group. It encouraged numerous artists to shift towards electronic synth sounds.
Notable Pieces
- An effects unit that is likely employed by the band in productions during their peak and Computer World in 1981 could fetch a high estimate.
- An EMS Synthi AKS likely the one used for Autobahn their iconic release is valued at a mid-range sum.
- His wind instrument, an Orsi G alto that Schneider used alongside electronic gear before moving on, is valued at $8,000 to $10,000.
Unique Belongings
For smaller budgets, a collection of nearly 100 instant photos photographed by him showing his musical tools is on sale at a low estimate.
Other quirky objects, such as a see-through, vibrant yellow instrument and a “very unique” 16-inch model of a fly, which was mounted at his studio, are priced at $200 to $400.
Schneider’s gold-framed green-tinted shades and Polaroid photographs showing him with these are estimated at $300 to $500.
Estate’s Statement
He always believed that they are meant to be played and enjoyed by others – not left unused or remaining untouched. His desire was his tools to find their way to people who appreciate them: musicians, collectors and admirers by the art of sound.
Lasting Influence
Recalling their contribution, a well-known drummer stated: Starting out, we were fans. Autobahn was an album which prompted us take notice: what is this?. They were doing innovative work … something completely new – they were consciously rejecting the past.”