Dave,  
Thanks for all of your insight...I am leaning toward keeping it just the way it is. It has not been changed or modified in anyway & has been tucked away and rarely played or handled. I appreciate you taking the time to advise on how to handle #28...I am having a hard time uploading pics & will send them to Kris to post = )

Looking forward to the pics!
 
I was thinking about it some more this afternoon, and one thing I definitely know nothing about is the value of instruments previously owned by well known musicians.  So, it does occur to me that everything I wrote above may actually be of little value in this case.
 
And I do think that for you, leaving it in its present configuration and letting the buyer decide how they want to proceed is probably the best way to go.

I think that will be the best way to go too...I really wish we could find a pic of Carlos playing it...I have searched and havent had any luck. Does anyone knoe someone qualified to do an appraisal on it? Thanks Again = )

I just sent the pics to Kris...Give me your email address & I will send them to you also. = )

Hey Eiji,
I took a bunch of detailed pics that will be posted soon. I put this pic next to the one you posted & their were def some custom mods done after it was built but the grain in the wood is in my opinion a perfect match! Check it out & let me know if you agree.https://docs.google.com/fileview?id=1mBIjK5WgkPP0Vauu4JecrComFA2yeN1QVDoYmMbUOrnMyklk283KEQMgAgFq&hl=en&authkey=CJyGn_MD

Tracey; if you click on my username, it opens my profile page, where you'll find my email address.

I posted the pics Trae sent me here

I just sent you them = )

Are there any pictures of Santana playing this or any other Alembic guitar?
 
 
Jazzyvee

I have been searching for pics of him with this guitar & so far haven't located any yet but am sure that somewhere out there are snap shots or old concert pics. I am keeping my fingers crossed that some will turn up = )

Can anyone recommend an appraisal service?

Trae:
 
I don't know of anyone more qualified to appraise this instrument than the good folks on this site.  Alembics are an extremely rare breed compared to other brands, and guitars are relatively rare Alembics compared to basses.  You might try running the numbers I emailed you by the members here and see what they say.
 
Bill, tgo

Thanks Bill = )

I was reading a thread that was sparked due to the modss that were made to this guitar & in defense of my Dad the guitar is exactly as he received it from Santana. He has not changed a thing since he bought it. I would love to hear what Santana has to say about it = )

Okay guys I was approached with an offer yesterday of $2500-3000. I have been doing research & this seems a little low to me. I ran it by dad & he said he would be taking $1000 loss at that price. I appreciate suggestions or input as I would like to come up with a number. I have contacted Sotheby's about putting it up for auction & Saiichi Sugiyama is in the process of writing up a report for me. I dont want to make a mistake & give it away.