Dolls that *aren't* for beginners?

I probably wouldn't do any of the Soom Monthly dolls for your first doll. Although they are fabulous, they are VERY stylized and detailed, with extra pieces to switch out, etc.

 

I agree with the SOOM M.D.s... they seem very detailed yet meticulous.

I'd also stay away from purchasing an Unoa Kit and having to do all of it yourself...

 

As for me, i wouldn't consider 80cm. dolls as my 1st BJD, they're big and a handful...i consider them as my 2nd or 3rd one...

 

i would say no soom monthlys, nothing over 70cm, nothing that is french resin, and while there's nothing wrong with the following, I don't recommend your first doll be second hand. While there is nothing wrong with second hand dolls as many people take very good care of their dolls, you might get something someone wasn't completely truthfull about the condition of or something that may need a lot of work.

 

If it were my first doll I wouldn't want anything I had to put together, like a Volks MSD which come as kits.

 

i dont think there really is a general guideline. i think people have to figure out what right for them on their own, if you love to put things together and love kits then a doll you have to put together is nothing to stay away from. especially if you have meets near you and someone willing to help if you get lost or need help.

and as for size, i think thats something you have to learn through experiance with, so i wouldnt stay away from the huge sizes or the tiny sizes, and go to a meet and try to see what size you think is right for you.

im buying a soom monthly for my first.. i didnt plan to but when he came out i knew i had to get him. if i dont like the monthly i can always sell it. but i fell to hard to buy another doll and then buy the MD with the second hand market prices? no way

 

I don't think size really matters if you're not intimidated by 80cm worth of resin. What I would consider is how easy it is to take the doll apart and restring it - because, let's face it, even if you're new to bjds, you WILL eventually have to learn to restring your doll. While I know most dolls have the same kind of stringing and once you've restrung one doll, you'll know the basics of how to restring most other dolls, I remember seeing a Littlefee taken apart and how different it looked compared to my own dolls. It kind of intimidated me seeing the S hook in the head and also one in its torso, not to mention there's something like three different strings keeping the doll held together... and I don't usually get intimidated when it comes to taking apart dolls to restring them

So my advice would be, whatever doll you get, be aware of how to restring it and be prepared to have to restring it. I personally would never get a littlefee as my first doll or a puki. My reason for not getting a puki is because of how small they are (total opposite of people who advise not to get big dolls lol!). As small as Pukis are, if you don't know what you're doing, I think it might get a bit fidgety if you ever find yourself having to restring it >__>

 

I say go with what you want! I don't think are dolls that would be too "much" for a person just starting out or not "suitable". My first doll was a kit from Volks and I did great with her. As long as you KNOW what you are getting yourself into(knowing it might be a pain to put together, or knowing there will be lots of parts and you will have to paint it) , I think you should just go with what you want and like.

 

I'm in total agreement. My first doll was second hand, and as soon as it was mine I went to work, wiping the face-up, modding the body to change the gender, totally taking it apart to wash, mess with, sand, paint, what-have-you, and re-stringing it about 2 weeks later. The key is to know what you're getting into and to do the research on the doll you want, and what you'll need to do to make it exactly how you want it. While that can be hard to do for LE dolls as you have such a SHORT time to get hold of most of them, you can at least research a company that makes LEs you like, and previous LEs from that company to give you a better idea of you're looking at in care for future LE dolls they might come out with.

Research, know what you're getting into, and know if it's a level of ownership that you think you can handle or not. Nothing should be a 'do not buy for a first time doll' unless your research leads you to think that it's one you might not be up to caring for.

 

I'll third the last two posts. Get the doll you WANT but make certain you know what you're getting into. My first was a fullset default paint DZ because I wanted to have a complete doll to play with and get accustomed to dealing with.

Now after four months, he never wears the clothes he came with, his body is blush and umm modded a hair and I'm waiting for summer to redo his face up.

So do some research, read the threads in the workshop and dive HEAD FIRST into the hobby! Chances are any situation you find yourself has already been experienced by someone and there will be plenty of people to help you out.

 

Haha Ide have to say don't try any french resin. I had a friend whos first doll was a fr narae and they poor dear looked like she had jaundice within a few months. Probably not good for beginners!

 

Honestly, it depends on the person.

I love taking things apart, seeing how they work and putting them back together again. Crafting, reshaping and stuff like that really excites me. I found restringing pretty fun and interesting except a little frustrating trying to put the hands and feet on. XD If someone would've offered me a kit for my first doll, I would've taken it happily.

Honestly, once you figure out how they function and how they're put together, something like a Soom Monthly wouldn't be too bad. But then again, I've never seen or touched one IRL. So I have no idea. D:

But if you're someone who avoids things like that and are deathly afraid of breaking/ruining anything it's probably not for you. XD

My mom has thrown serious fits when I took Roslin apart to restring her and to suede her joints. Only because her experience with dolls are porcelian and antique dolls which sit on shelves all the time. Very hands-off. My dad though, understands because his hobby is car models.

It honestly depends on people's preference and perspective.

 

I think you would be thrilled with the new Dollshe Saint. ABJDs certainly hold a wonderful kind of mystique, but honestly, I don't think there are any models, sculpts, moulds that are "too much doll" for a "beginner." Buy what you're drawn to and enjoy your purchase!

 

i think you could start with anything, if you do your homework. use the forum to look at all of the different possibilities, resin type/color, height/size, gender, cost, posability, and amount of customization that is available. as long as you have all of the facts, i think you could really handle most anything. there are always members here who are very knowledgeable and willing to help if you have any questions, so get what speaks to your soul.

 

ER, maybe a Domuya Flexi-body? They are a little intimidating to pose at first.

 

By all means, get the doll that you have your heart set on regardless of size, sculpt, extra parts, etc. But if you haven't fallen in love with one yet, my advice would be to start with an MSD-sized doll from one of the more well-known companies. It's a good mid-range size; not too big and not too small and quite poseable in most cases. Clothes, shoes and accessories are usually quite easy to find for this size also and are fairly standard across most companies.

The reason I suggest buying from a more established company is that it makes it easier to do research on them and there are loads of members here who can give advice if you do run into problems as most are more familiar with older companies than with newer ones.

This hobby can be quite overwhelming at first but you will get used to it all and start to find your own personal style. Good luck!

 

souldoll centaur
but soon if not now that will be my third doll lol

 

Any MSD sizes would be really good for starting out. :/ When I got Mira, I thought she was extremely big, let alone the one coming at my friend's house. She's getting a 70cm, and he's about half my actual size because I am tiny. I held a regular SD at the last con, and he was extremely heavy too, so it's more of the sudden shock of having this large hunk of resin thrown in your lap. x3

 

It depends on what sort of doll person you are. Are you brave, naturally handy? Do you always fiddle with, customize and alter your collectibles? Do you have enough spare cash to take proper care of them (ie buy wigs, eyes, faceups, clothing etc ad nauseum)?

Or are you strictly an oldschool collector type? Put your NRFB doll on its shelf to bask in its perfection?

If you're the former, pretty much anything goes. If you're the latter, get a fullset.

Raven

 

I probably wouldn't get any kind of tanned doll as a first either.

 

All in all it depends on who you are as a hobbyist, are you the person who just wants to dress them up and maybe change wigs and eyes on occasion? or are you the type that likes to take everything apart and paint, re-work it make it your own ect, ect.

I got a full-set Si as my "beginner's" doll. I thought since I was new I needed the clothes they eyes, the face-up the works. Well, within 3 months I had taken him apart sold most of his default things and modded his ears to be cat-like with apoxie. ^^; Only thing l learned in my whole expirence is that A) I buy blank dolls from now on and B) I don't have the mental patients for face-ups. Other than that I am the kind of person that buys dolls in pices, and enjoys taking them apart. I should have listened to myself and bought the blank Si to mod in the first place!

So I don't think there is a bad or good doll for beginners, it just depends on where you think your going to be comfortable with the hobby.

 

My only advice for a first doll would be to buy from a reputable dealer or someone with a lot of positive feedback. If your first doll experience ends up being an unpleasant transaction, it could affect your opinion about the hobby as a whole.

Other than that, I say get whatever you want even if it does have extra parts. Like tehrin said, it depends on the person. If you are comfortable with a doll like the new Dollshe boys, go for it! ^_^

 

Like others have said, go with one you love irregardless of size. And do your research. If you like taking things apart & messing with them, well then just about anything will work for you. If you just want a nice complete doll that you don't have to fuss with, go with one of the standards from a well known company.

I really don't think matters if the doll is brand new or second hand. There are advantages & disadvantages to both. Are you patient enough to wait months for a doll or do you prefer more instant gratification? Do you mind paying extra for shipping or would you prefer to save on that & put more money into the actual doll? If you do decide to go secondhand, ask lots of questions, get good photos & check feedback. While my first doll was purchased new from a US store, my next 3 dolls were bought on Ebay as they were dolls that I really wanted but didn't know where to get & one was discontinued. One very nice thing about secondhand dolls is that you can get real photos of the doll not just the company promo ones which often don't really reflect the doll's actual appearance.

Personally I would avoid Flexibodies as they're almost always too loosely strung & next to impossible to tighten. Also perhaps French resin unless it's tan as the pinky-white colors can change too rapidly. That said, I have many French resin dolls & the only one that noticably changed color was my pinky-white Narin.

 

It really depends on what the "beginner" wants. If you want a pretty doll you can dress up and display, you have a different set of needs than if you want to actually customize a first doll, practice faceups, etc. Also, a "beginner" to the BJD hobby is not always a "beginner" to buying, or to doll buying. Plus, it seems like people these days are having bad experiences with "first dolls" bought new from an online shop to the same degree as they might have them with marketplace dolls.

I would just say, for a beginner,
1) Buy a doll you love
2) Don't buy the most expensive one right from the start
3) Be aware that some types of resin, like French resin and tan resin, can require special handling or develop special problems.

I'd also recommend that for a first doll it may be better to go with a "tried and true" company like Volks or Luts than take a chance on some newer company that might have kinks in its customer service, even if the newer company's dolls look more affordable. I know that if anything had gone haywire with my first two doll orders (to Tensiya and Dollmore respectively) I probably would have just up and quit the hobby because for the amount of money the dolls cost I was hoping they'd arrive relatively hassle free (which they did).

 

I'm going to have to run with the people that said "go with what you love"!

Makes me laugh, the people that said no Soom Monthlies... My first doll was a Soom Beryl. Hadn't even been in the hobby for more than three months. I bought her blank so I was forced to do a bunch of stuff for her.

It's really up to you! Find who you love, and run with it!

 

For a first doll I would say stay away from something uber expensive, or something where you'll have to wait 3+ months for it to arrive. Expecially if your new to the hobby. If however you've been in the hobby for awhile and know what your doing, get what you want. I just say stay away from the uber expensive because what if you find the hobby just isn't for you. And having to wait a long time for your first doll can also be abit depressing. I was very lucky that my first doll came 1 week after I ordered him. I had done my research and seen other dolls, but having that doll in my hands was very different then you expect.

 

I agree with any doll kit you get to put together! They force you to learn how to string the doll, glue parts together if any (my MSD Mario Kit had that), and you paint the face in any style you like. I agree on the Unoa kit but my only thought about it is if you have a Unoa boy. Not everyone will be thrilled about the extra "excited" boy part. I guess it depends on the person or if that person still lives with small minded parents (if they even show it to them).

 

hell yes. i agree 100% as long as you love it, go for it.

 

I would actually say having to wait 3+ months for my first doll to arrive was a good thing and recommend it to new doll owners. Because unless you only plan to buy dolls that a dealer has in stock or only ever get one doll, your eventually going to have to wait for what can seem like forever for a doll to show up. If your forced to wait for your first doll, you not only get used to that wait faster but at least in my case I felt like I'd really had the entire doll experience.

 

I'd say buy whichever you like. The dollshe has a good tutorial and there are videos on Youtube regarding stringing. As long as he isn't floppy, it shouldn't be a problem, by the time he needs to be restrung, you'll be an old hand at the game. I've had 2 Soom monthly dolls and didn't touch them, just left them how they were, I've got 2 more coming. I wouldn't necessarily stay away from any doll except maybe tanned/coloured that could be scratched or damaged until you're used to handling them. Even then, people buy them as a first doll and it works out well. It's up to the individual. Buy the doll that calls out to you and says bring me home. Sometimes buying a cheaper/less liked doll can end up as a nasty shock when you find you don't like them. The Dollshe look as though they will ship a lot quicker than most dolls so that's a plus in my book as well. I'm tired of waiting 3+ months for dolls to arrive and I've been in this hobby for a while. It seems as though the companies are getting worse not better.

 

you and another person (who got a topaz) are the only people i have met that got a soom MD for their first doll and you both seem very very happy! =]

i dont understand why anyone would recommend staying away from soom MD's IMO if there is any doll out there that could make me fall into this hobby hard it would be soom MD.

if they are to big... well thats one thing.. but i have to learn what size i prefer by actually holding one and i have not been able to make it to a meet yet so why not? if i dont like him i can give someone else the chance to own him

 

there is so much information on here and through other sources that if you do your homework before you buy you should be fine with any doll for a first.
If you have to put it together then at least you know how it works. If it's a monthly then wow! what a way to start the hobby! Pre loved can be great (not as long to wait) but new is good too. Big, little or tiny, go for what you want but just learn as much about it as you can first.
I wish that I had done some more research before buying my first, but it all turned out well and has been a learning process along the way

 

I would have been really intimidated if I had started with a doll kit, like Unoa, but in retrospect, I think it would give a new owner a leg up on understanding how ball-jointed dolls are made and how they function. I'm always impressed with someone who buys a blank doll for their first and jumps right into to doing faceups and the like. I'm just not that brave.

 

Go with what you want!

I guess it depends on if you're a person who has no fear or someone who really worries about everything... I'm a bit of a worry-er myself, but I'd still go for what I wanted, no matter what.

SOOM Monthly Dolls would totally be MY first choice, since I just love them! If you don't love 'em, don't get one... but I don't see why you should avoid certain dolls for your first. Buy each doll as if they were the ONLY doll you will ever get and you'll probably do fine, since you'll know you REALLY want it and can't live without it. Maybe you want a Bermann or something really hard to get... well, same goes, if that's what you really want, go for it, even though it's not easy.

On the other hand--your question is a good one, just so people will know what to expect with certain dolls. But I still think you have to go with your heart.

 

I think it definately depends on the type of BJD person you are. If, like many have mentioned, you enjoy fiddling with pieces and parts and putting things back together, the complexities of some of the dolls will fascinate rather than intimidate.

However, if you're looking for a doll that's ready to go right out of the box, some dolls, such as the Soom monthly limiteds might be a little scarey. There are a LOT of bits and pieces, many of which require restringing and glueing in magnets. Heck, even I was mildly intimidated when I first started restringing my Sard and I'd restrung loads of times before lol

For someone who is new and not quite ready to jump neck deep into the technicalities of BJD owning, I can definately see where dolls like the Soom monthlies could be a potentially bad choice for a first doll.

 

I'm going to agree with the posters who say to determine what kind of doll experience you want, and go from there. There are plenty of people who've had a fancy Soom as a first doll or a kit as a first doll and who still love the hobby. But then there are people who would rather give up on BJDs than learn to restring their doll. If you don't mind having a bit of a steep learning curve, then I don't think there's any doll that you should really consider off limits, just make sure you know what you're getting into (for example, that a french resin doll will yellow quickly) and you seem to know that type of stuff by now, even if only from it being mentioned many times in this thread.

And if you really truly love Dollshe's new dolls and really truly don't want to learn how to restring, there are always people you can send your doll away to who will do things like restringing, coating, sueding, and other doll maintenance for you. If you'd rather pay someone else to do that stuff than learn yourself there's nothing wrong with that (especially when the body is as imposing as Dollshe's new one with joints out the wazoo).

 

Buy the doll you love and do not settle.

XD This is so very important. It may be cheaper to get the tiny or the mini, but if you really, really love that 70cm doll, save up and get that doll! My doll family would be so different if I'd have bought the doll I fell in love with first instead of my second choice. After 5 years, I still love that first doll, but in retrospect I wish I would have waited and gotten my SD13 first.

The only bad first doll is the doll you settled for instead of the doll you wanted.

 

I'll have to agree with some people here when they say size doesn't matter. Actually, nothing really matters. If you want to start out with an MD from Soom, okay, but do your research, and know what you're getting into. Nothing's worth doing if it isn't done well, so if you jump haphazardly into the hobby with just any doll, while knowing nothing, not only will the experience also not be as great for you, but you could seriously damage the dol you've purchased. (You know, sharpie pen face ups, leaving them in sunlight, modding with inappropriate tools, storage care, wig care, re-stringing. Not that re-stringing a doll is hard, but if it's your first time and you DON'T know what you're doing, then it can be very intimidating.)

Also, then there's say, you first find out about dolls, a month down the line you purchase what you think your dream doll is: I don't know, some limited Volks. Heath, Tony, whatever. Take your time and sleep on it. Look at pictures that OTHER owners have of the dolls you like, and with different face ups, or naked heads, just so you know what's actually on under there. Be aware of how thier bodies are before you get htem, and know that SD sized, if you're used to barbie dolls? Huuuuuge. You know? Maybe even attend a doll meet first. Nothing like seeing a real doll in person.

But yeah.

My point is, if you come to the hobby prepared, and you've done at least some preliminary research, no doll is the wrong doll once you've finalized on a sculpt and brand you like. Really complicated clothes/stringing? Bring it on. It's not like nobody here knows what you're talking about if you need help with something or anything!

But if you don't know, before you do, always ask. No matter how dumb the question. You could save yourself some trouble. I remember one of my first was, 'is there an MSD Tohya' because I thought the big one was too expensive. ^^;;. Or even, 'is Tohya and Kohya even the same doll?' (Yes, they are.).

Hopefully you get what I'm saying.

 

I completely agree with do your research first. You don't buy a cat and then say "What, it needs a litter box?" only to find out that yes, a cat may need a litter box and your carpet is ruined.
Read up on basic doll care like restringing and cleaning. I once got a doll that was strung so loose by the company that the legs were dangling from the sockets. It took me less than half an hour to fix it, but if I hadn't known how to restring a doll and be without the proper tools, I would have to wait until I could go to a person who could fix it for me and until then I'd be faced with a doll that was impossible to pose. That would be a nasty first doll experience.

My second doll is made of French resin (no colour changes after 2 years, I took good care of it) and it squeaks with each movement. In the beginning it freaked me out, because I wasn't used to that and I was so afraid to break her. Later I found out that it is not uncommon for French resin dolls to squeak. As I already had experience with my first doll my unease with my second doll disappeared fast, but again that would not have been a nice first doll experience.

If there is anything "special" about the doll you want, get your information on that. Just like you don't need to be an experienced cat owner to get a cat, if you get a long haired cat, you need to know what that animal's special needs are (daily brushing for example). Otherwise you may be in for something unpleasant.
Keeping this in mind, I can recommend buying a doll of which you can easily get information on. Currently there are no people who have the new Dollshe boy at home, because the first dolls still need to be shipped (or have just been shipped?) and you can't ask around for advice, but luckily Dollshe provides clear tutorials and information on their new boy.
I don't recommend getting your first doll from a company nobody has ever heard of, but things like size, shape, price and difficulty shouldn't be a limiting factor for your first doll.
Some people say you should get a small or cheaper doll first to see if the hobby is really something for you, but I think that if you want to spend several hundreds of dollars on the doll you like, you're pretty sure.

 

My first doll was second-hand and perfect for what I wanted. I would recommend going for a second-hand doll first in some ways because the wait isn't as long and if the doll has a few light dings in the resin you won't be too scared to touch the doll, take him/her apart, play with him/her, you know? My brand new company dolls still intimidate me a bit because they're so perfect and I don't want to ruin that perfection!

 

Personally, I don't think undetailed, posing-restricted dolls are right for beginners. I'm thinking of Dollinan and a few others. I think your first doll should surprise you with all the little details, the poses it can do, the intricacy, the lifelikeness.

For that reason I think the new Saint and the Soom Monthlies ARE ideal first dolls, they set the standard.

Later on you can decide whether undetailed dolls are suitable for you, but as a first doll...It could be a let down. I say go for the biggest, baddest, most covetted as your first, all the way ^^

 

I second this. Get the doll you want and don't settle for less out of fear. It's dolls we're talking about.

 

I started with an 'cheap' doll to see how I'd like the hobby. Boy I have know!
It was such a let down.
The joints were rough, she posed awefull.
I think it was good that I went to a meeting that showed me that this was not a common thing but just something that comes with that type of doll.
I'm upgrading her now, and I do my research a lot better now.

It depends on your research skills. If you do the research you're better prepared.
You know what to expect. Had I known this limitations of the doll, i might still got her, but it wouldn't be such a disappointment.

So, any doll goes! Just do the research!
How's the company feedback, the body,how does it pose and look, how to take care of it and that kind of things.

 

Well, judging from what I'm reading here, I went about my first doll the completely wrong way. O.o

I got Luken - and THEN started researching stuff. Like restringing or sueding or the danger of yellowing. Maybe I was just lucky but so far, I'm quite content whith Luken as I got him (Unidoll Ark). I guess how much research you do before you buy a doll is also a matter of how much you want to fuss (not meant in a negative way!) about it. My research basically was pretty much restricted to which doll I wanted - Ark, Hound, Saint or Sabik - and looking at pics on the companies' websites and the web in general. I'm kinda learning all the rest of the stuff "on the go" or where I need it.

I'm not saying this is the best way of doing this. But if you apply a little common sense (of course those dolls may break when you toss them around and of course you should check which kind of colours to use BEFORE you try to give them a faceup and so on) it can work ok, too.

 

QFE a hundred times!
Don't settle for a cheap or 'easy' doll, just because you're new. It's the first impression that is very important. Go for your dreamdoll, the one that completely swept you of your feet, before you checked the price-tag or the instruction manual. Don't settle for anything less, because when you hold that doll in your hands the first time, you'll be in love.

Muisje and some others said something very important as well: Research. Check out everything there is to know about them. How to take care of them, what the limits are of these dolls, what other people have said about the quality of the doll you want and/or the company that sells it.
The more you know, the better you are prepared and the less likely you are to be disappointed.

All in all, of you really like the new Dollshe Saint, I say go get him. There are no rules for beginners you have to stick to, no beginner-dolls.

 

Me too! I bought Nicco because he was adorable and fit the character and was a perfect price (for me, what's perfect for you may be very different) And then in trying to figure out where to buy him clothes and "stuff" my friend and I found DOA.

So I dunno, do what your heart tells you is the right thing.

 

Yeah-I don't think there's such a doll. Though if I had to think of something, I'd say french Resin dolls perhaps-since they yellow and stain more easily... and I'd agree about the Unoas. *shrugs* I don't think it really has much to do with beginnerness though.

 

No, I don't think there's any reason why a new person couldn't handle a particular doll--this is especially true if they do a little reading up (for instance knowing BW and tan are more sensitive to sunlight), however pretty much any info a new person needs can be found here. A lot really comes down to what the individual wants and is comfortable with, and that's always going to vary from person to person.

 

Don't forget there is a whole forum here to help you if you come across any problems! Lots of folks will be buying the new Dollshe boys, you'll be able to talk to them every step of the way, they'll be new hobbyists and veterans too, so, if he's what you want, GO FOR IT!

 

I would say kits aren't so good for beginners, especially if you have no experience with model kits or model painting. My first was an MSD kit, but I paid for Volks to string and paint her. I think it helped me in restringing her to see how she was strung in the first place, rather than having to do it from a manual. And while I'm quite good at painting small things, I'd still rather leave that to a professional. YMMV. Generally I like default faceups for their simplicity and freshness, so this jives well with me. (And my one Ltd has a face I'm quite happy with .)

Depends on how confident you are, of course.

I would also echo and say you should buy the one in your budget range that you love the most, rather than buying one that's too cheap, not resin, or a tiny/MSD that you sort of like but which isn't your total fav. (Believe me. That's what I did. Now my MSD sits in a box waiting for the day I can get her a pureskin body because her old one is awful.) Don't "settle." Wait until you can get the one you really really really want.

 

i thkin that it's always better to start with a doll that isn't too big nor too small.
(MSDs) of course, it's your own decision XP

 

You should also take into account what area your in. If your in an area with alot of doll people, you can pick up dolls and see them and get use to them at a doll meetup to find out if they are right for you. What you like/want in regards to possiability, or size. Ofcourse you get the added burden of feeling like an outcast (despite the people trying not to do this to you) being a person 'without a doll' at a 'doll meetup'.

If your in an area that doesn't have alot of Doll People, you have to go into the hobby differently. Do alot more research on-line. You have to judge how much your going to be able to handle with a doll. Do you have the artistic skill, supplies, or even just the desire to do the face-up of the doll yourself, if not then you should buy a face-up with the doll. When you haven't been able to hold the dolls and such First hand, is when I recommend a less expensive doll. Not saying a 'cheap' doll. But get the standard edition vs the uber expensive limited edition of doom! I also like what someone else said about getting a second hand doll, because it would give you more of a chance/freedom/less fear about breaking the doll if already has been around for awhile.

Alot of people get discouraged in the wait and saving for a doll. Thus again why I recommend a less expensive doll, and one that has a decent delievery speed. Maybe your the most patient person and love the anticipation, but in this MTV society most people have a short attention spand and little patience. Yeah you'll most likely have to wait eventually but the 2nd or 3rd doll wait isn't so bad as you have your 1st to play with and make stuff for, etc... It's the same thing about getting your first doll and then sending it right off to get a face-up. Take a few days, get to know your doll, dress it/undress it, etc...

If your in an area with alot of doll people, and have doll friends, getting a kit isn't a bad thing. You have people who can help you out, etc... Or maybe your good at following directions on-line or like putting things together, etc... It really depends on the person.

For myself I needed the instant gratification of my first doll. Once I decided I wanted one, I had to have it NOW. I could have easily been soured to the hobby if I had to wait like I am now for my Euclase. (sigh)

 

I don't really think you can have a doll that *isn't* a good first doll- the first bjd I'd ever touched in my life was my second doll, and I had to put him together myself. I'd never even seen a BJD in person before >.< (My first doll was still in the mail at the time, but thankfully Mikah came fully strung).

I say, just get what you want- it really doesn't matter how it goes, as long as you love it. It took me nearly 6 and a half hours to figure out how to string Yurii (he's 63ish cm) and I cried a few times, but I'm definately not afraid to restring a doll now.

 

Find a doll you love for your first doll. They're all fundamentally the same; they have joints and are strung with elastic. Some of my more expensive dolls are easier to re-string than the cheaper ones, so there really aren't any beginner dolls...only beginner owners. You may as well learn on a doll that gives you joy to own. There are plenty of people here to help you if you have a problem and probably also there are people in your community if you need someone to lend a hand.

 

Doll buying is sort of like picking out a pure-bred puppy...

Each doll, just like each breed, has both positives and negatives.

You get a lot of comments in these kinds of threads that say "OMG, just get what you see and like!" but really, it's not particularly helpful.

I LOVE the way SD sized dolls look, but the size isn't compatible with my "in person" tastes, so seeing and loving does not equal owning and loving, and just buying what looks good to you on screen could end up being disastrous.

My recommendation? Go to meetups where people will allow you to look at their dolls... figure out what particulars are most important to you, and in what order they're important, and how much you'd be willing to compromise... and THEN do massive research on any doll you're considering to see if it fits your wants.

On that note... I think I agree with the French Resin statements... even if you do the research and realize how easily French Resin can change colors, it doesn't really seem to matter when you first realize it's happening to your doll in a dramatic way. It's still scary.

 

Fortune favors the bold! Get a doll you have fallen in love with & can't imagine your household without. Then learn the nitpicky bits. Do your research for the basics first, of course, but the rest of it is all nitpicky bits. And they've all got nitpicky bits; there are no beginner dolls.

My first was an SDCute, with lots of extra moving pieces and parts. It was about a year before I first unstrung him. But what of it? He wasn't going anywhere-- he could wait for me to get used to him. I didn't need to be able to perform surgery on him before I could enjoy him.