Before I decide to do any of this or buy a blender preamp, I need to make sure that I want to add the soundboard transducer I already have it, I just don't know if it will add any worthwhile sounds if I install it. It should though, since I can mix between the two different sounds until I find one I like. I'll probably want to use more of the undersaddle pickup, but I can play around with the ratio later. I'd need a preamp that can bypass one of the inputs, in case I decide not to use the soundboard transducer.
I'm probably not good enough with electronics to make my own blender preamp yet. I could probably pull it off, but it looks like it will be more trouble than it's worth. Where are you located? I could buy a preamp from you through Paypal or ebay. That's probably the best option I have!
I should have space for two batteries. I'm going to get the body from Warmoth; it's just easier. I could get a double battery box installed, and even if I don't, it should fit under the pickguard.
I'd want to use trim pots to change the volume of each pickup, so I could get a set ratio to always use, and not have to worry about bumping into the knobs, and a master trim pot, so I can lower the maximum gain in case it clips. I would want a volume pot in the first position of a Strat pickguard, so I can change the master volume of both pickups, but I'd want the trim pots for each individual pickup and the gain trim pot internal.
Having an XLR output would be nice, but not required.
Someone recommended getting a preamp with a minimum 3 band EQ, and possibly sweepable mids, but it's not really necessary since I could get a seperate EQ unit, or change the settings on the amp.
Other than EQ, blending, and a good signal to noise ratio, what's the main thing that acoustic preamps offer that a simple booster doesn't? As long as I can get a nice natural sound out of my guitar, I'll be happy. I'd like to buy one from you, if you want to do it, and I'd be willing to pay whatever the price is for a similar LR Baggs preamp. I just want to get this right.