Best doll for a first timer?

[kaybee27]

Hi all! As I try to decide where to begin my BJD family, I turn to more experienced collectors for some advice. I have been reading lots of threads but I didn't see one that addressed this specifically. If there is already a thread or two about this, please point me in that direction!

I love the MSD size and I am pretty sure that's what my first doll is going to be. am torn between ordering an AoD (specifically Qing) and getting a ResinSoul (Ya girl, the human Mei). While the Ya is cheaper, it's only by about $50. I really like both molds.

In your opinion, what's the best kind of doll for a first doll? I don't want to have to restring right away, but I'm willing to if I absolutely have to. I looked at the BBBs are well but I don't like their wrists/ankles as much as the RS dolls. Is there a better place to start than AoD or RS? There are so many brands that knowing what the best bang for your buck is can be challenging!

From what I've read, both RS and AOD are good solid dolls. I don't want to go more than $200 for the first, especially since I'll still have to get her wigs, clothes, shoes etc. Are there any other types of dolls you would recommend as a good place to get your feet wet? I also looked at Dollfie Plus from Volks, and other 27cm dolls, but I think that is a little too small from where I want to start. I definitely like the MSD range the best.

What are some other things to know before diving head first into BJD-collecting?

Any advice is truly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

[SetsunaKou]

Hi and welcome to the forum, kaybee-san!! :hugs:

I think you've chosen a good starting point with ResinSoul and AoD. I own many of both kinds and always LOVE every doll I've purchased from those 2 companies! You won't be disappointed with them. ^^

Another great doll is the 50cm or 60cm Obitsu or the 60cm Volks Dollfie Dream. There are also 44cm MSD sized Obitsu or Volks (MDD) but I think if you go for one of these, the 50cm is the best way to go! She's super poseable and has a mature sculpted body. She's a real beauty!

If you get a RS, she may come 'loose' but I've never had to restring mine---just tighten the strings. ^^

Good luck and have fun!!!
~Setsuna

[Evelien]

As you may know I have nothing against Obitsu - quite the opposite lol -, but it would be good to mention they're not resin and strung like other BJDs, they're made of vinyl and they have a skeleton inside instead.

[AlmySidaKay]

I wasn't sure and went through a trial and error with my first few dolls, fashion and BJD alike. Here are things I found, SD is really freakin' huge. And I wasn't a fan. Yo-SD is perfect for finding clothing and accessories for. And MSD is the perfect cuddle size. Honestly restringing is super easy and takes about 20 mins you really can do it with one pair of pliers and a string and bam, doll that stands. I actually just got my first MSD, a BBB Ariel yesterday. I'm totally in love with her size. Ya, I think would be a perfect starter doll since she comes with the better Resinsoul body, I have some Yo-SD who have the same body type as Ya and even without the extra joint in their hands they still pose great. I'm probably kind of biased because I'm a BBB/RS junkie, but I love their sculpts to death and honestly they are perfect starter dolls. Plus there is a huge secondary market for them, the moment you don't want one, there will be 20 girls happy to buy it off you. >.>

[kaybee27]

Hi and welcome to the forum, kaybee-san!! :hugs:

I think you've chosen a good starting point with ResinSoul and AoD. I own many of both kinds and always LOVE every doll I've purchased from those 2 companies! You won't be disappointed with them. ^^

Another great doll is the 50cm or 60cm Obitsu or the 60cm Volks Dollfie Dream. There are also 44cm MSD sized Obitsu or Volks (MDD) but I think if you go for one of these, the 50cm is the best way to go! She's super poseable and has a mature sculpted body. She's a real beauty!

If you get a RS, she may come 'loose' but I've never had to restring mine---just tighten the strings. ^^

Good luck and have fun!!!
~Setsuna

I did look at the Obitsu, she is very pretty! I know she is vinyl and stains really easily, though...have you found her to stain as much as some say?

Thanks for all the advice, I do love both those companies' sculpts!

[kaybee27]

I wasn't sure and went through a trial and error with my first few dolls, fashion and BJD alike. Here are things I found, SD is really freakin' huge. And I wasn't a fan. Yo-SD is perfect for finding clothing and accessories for. And MSD is the perfect cuddle size. Honestly restringing is super easy and takes about 20 mins you really can do it with one pair of pliers and a string and bam, doll that stands. I actually just got my first MSD, a BBB Ariel yesterday. I'm totally in love with her size. Ya, I think would be a perfect starter doll since she comes with the better Resinsoul body, I have some Yo-SD who have the same body type as Ya and even without the extra joint in their hands they still pose great. I'm probably kind of biased because I'm a BBB/RS junkie, but I love their sculpts to death and honestly they are perfect starter dolls. Plus there is a huge secondary market for them, the moment you don't want one, there will be 20 girls happy to buy it off you. >.>

Congrats on the Ariel!!

Ooh I am glad re-stringing isn't so bad, it looks very intimidating lol .

Does AoD have a good resale market? Do you know?

[kaybee27]

As you may know I have nothing against Obitsu - quite the opposite lol -, but it would be good to mention they're not resin and strung like other BJDs, they're made of vinyl and they have a skeleton inside instead.

I had seen that both Obitsu and Dollfie Dream are vinyl...it seems like there is a big split between vinyl and resin camps!

Have your Obitsus stained? I have read that vinyl stains easily...

[1/6andtinylover]

Restringing isn't all that hard. It's basically two loops of elastic, one for each leg that comes up each leg and a loop from one wrist to another. So if you feel a need to restring a RS/BBB, it shouldn't be a nightmare (unlike those long 4 or 5 part tutorial which makes it look like one)

MSD is a good size to carry around (they can still probably sit on palm of your hand) but still big enough that you can see it as more than a doll you used to break apart and give horrible haircuts to.

P.S.: The cost of wigs, shoes, eyes and such are...not to be ignored.

[kaybee27]

P.S.: The cost of wigs, shoes, eyes and such are...not to be ignored.

Oh that I know very well without even making a purchase lol! Some of the outfit prices are crazy. I am pretty handy with a sewing machine so I am hoping to eventually make my own outfits. But even the wigs, eyes and shoes can get up there! So I will definitely be saving up for a while, lol.

I am glad restringing is not as complicated as some of the YouTube tuts make it look!

[kittyasauras]

There are other cheap doll companies, if that is what you are looking for.

Try Doll Leaves or Dikadoll or illusion spirit.

You can buy dolls from USA dealers also:

http://www.mintoncardinc.com/dolls/index.php

http://www.junkyspot.com/

http://www.denverdoll.com/