Kerry Keane

Kerry Keane is one of the world's leading authorities on fine and historically significant musical instruments. A trained instrument maker and lifelong guitarist, he has spent more than four decades at the intersection of craftsmanship, scholarship, provenance, appraisal, and the international collecting market. After serving as Head of Musical Instruments at Skinner, he joined Christie's in 1999 as International Department Head and Specialist for Musical Instruments, where he continues today as a Consultant. Landmark sales under his guidance include the 2006 Antonio Stradivari 'Hammer' violin ($3.544 million), the 2019 David Gilmour Guitar Collection ($21.5 million, then the highest musical-instrument sale in history), and the 2026 Jim Irsay Collection (approximately $94.5 million, setting 28 world records). As a USPAP Certified Appraiser and longtime Antiques Roadshow specialist, he brings deep expertise in determining what information matters when important instruments change hands. For Gearcheck, Keane's perspective will help shape the standards and tools that collectors, dealers, appraisers, builders, and institutions need to preserve instrument history for the future.