What do you think of "starter dolls?"

when i went to my first BJD panel at otakon, i guess it was 4 years ago now, the girl who was speaking at the panel said that DOD's were good starter dolls because they were of a lower price value then other dolls.

luckiliy for me i fell in love with a DOT so it worked out for me. however i agree with you that it is important to choose a doll that you love. on the other hand i would recommend for ppl who are new to the hobby to stay from a doll similiar to Unoa, not only because of limited availability but also because i have heard that putting them together can be a bit of a handle for experience owners.

either way you should love the doll you buy other wise you will regret it. and if you just have to have that more expensive doll then just make sure you do the necessary research in order to maintain the up keep on that doll.

 

To me a starter doll only makes sense if you plan on doing face-ups, blushing, lots of modding, etc. and you need the practice. Otherwise, I say get the doll you really want. Though I admit I didn't buy my first choice because it was too expensive. Oh well, maybe some day....

 

So some extent, I like the idea of a 'starter doll'

Currently I'm trying to pick one one, and I've finally decided on one today.

I believe though that if you're going to get one, make it one that you still love.
There's a couple other 'dream dolls' that I've got on my list, so I looked around to as many different sites as I could until I found a MSD that immediately drew me in, and she's quite cheap as well, so I'll be choosing her as me 'starter doll'
(It's also the fact that I have a very low budget limit, so I was pretty excited when I found the doll)

If any of that made sense?

I don't think I would being too much to do damage though.
I've been doing countless research for over a year, and knowing me, I would treat her like she's made out of thin glass. XD
When I want to learn how to mod, I know where to find cute 20$ heads.

 

I think the idea is kind of just another excuse to get another doll;;;; IMHO, it sounds like BS;;;;

Honestly, I didn't get a "starter doll". My first was an LE. If people care about their dolls they will do the required reading to protect them. Whether or not the doll is a "starter" or not is completely irrelevant.

The fact is that if the person doesn't put in the effort to protect their doll, etc...in the first place, they're not likely to do it with another doll.

 

I don't think a 'starter doll' is always a good idea, especially if you have very strong thoughts on what you want in a doll. If you 'settle' for something less than what you are looking for, I would think you would be more likely to lose interest in the hobby. I waited for 5 years before I bought my first doll... and I was fortunate enough to have a good friend help me find the right one.

An exception to this thought is if someone wanted to practice techniques for face ups or modifications. I have an inexpensive head that I bought to try different face up ideas. I've painted and wiped him clean twice so far. There won't be any pics posted of those attempts though...they were dreadful! XD

 

I don't have a problem with spending $200 on a 'starter' doll as long as it looks nice. My dream doll ATM is Ashanti but I'll probably get a cheaper doll that I can mod with wigs and clothes to look like this character

 

I agree, that could be both good and bad. For some people maybe it would work, but I personally don't really like the idea. Better then to buy the doll you really want, then be extra careful and ask people for help whenever you don't know how something works, so that you don't ruin it

 

For my first doll, I admittedly got him because he was cheaper than the other sculpts I liked. Granted, I still did like his sculpt which is why I even looked at him in the first place, but the price was the deciding factor between him and more expensive dolls. He already had his faceup done, so it wasn't for the point of experimenting, and it wasn't that I didn't have the money for the others, but the fact of the matter is that I wasn't quite sure what I was going to be getting myself into, and I'd rather have wasted at least a smaller amount of money if I ended up not liking the hobby as much as I thought I would. He came and I ended up loving him and getting more, so the rest is history and I do not regret my "frugal" decision.

 

My first two dolls are limited edition dolls so I'm letting a customizer do the initial work on them until I'm ready. I ADORED these two from the moment I laid eyes on them and I kept coming back to them every time.
I almost got a starter doll that I thought was "okay" just to get my feet wet, but I'm glad I got the two that I love. I'm going to start practicing maintenance and mods on my third doll who is not limited and more readily available (but again I adore the doll so I will look forward to working on her!).
My advice would be if you want to practice techniques for faceups, mods and blushing, get a doll that you love, but one that is not rare and difficult to replace parts (just in case you are unhappy with any permanent mods like sanding).

 

I hope I don't get in trouble for posting here, since the thread has been dormant for three weeks. Actually, I found this thread searching for "starter dolls", to see if there were any particular type recommended. I don't own any BJDs as of yet, and I'm not sure when or if I'll get my first one, but I think I have found my dream dolls, and they are not limited and not too expensive, as BJDs go.

I have made up my mind about a couple of things, though:
1. I will definitely want to learn how to do face-ups. I already have pastels and brushes. Finding a place that sells non-oil based paint won't be a problem. I may have to order proper sealant and face-up remover online.
2. I have been disappointed with cheaper alternatives and second-bests time and time again, and when I buy my first doll it will be one I really love.
3. I won't be getting my dolls before I've done proper research into everything there is to know, so I will know what to expect. I'll also wait a while before buying anything. I know that if I haven't lost interest in something within half a year, It's far less likely I will.

One other thing, though. One of the dolls I really like is a tiny, the Planetdoll Mini Riz. Is it a bad idea to start with a tiny, concidering everything on their bodies is pretty small, or is that not really a problem with 26 cm dolls? (I used to collect kinderegg toys and model houses, and I have kind of small hands.)

 

Well, to me, I consider a 'starter doll' a doll you want, but is less expensive. Not saying you settle on a cheaper doll - just find a doll less expensive that you like. However, less expensive dolls shouldn't give permission for the owner to treat it like a cheap toy.

My first doll want was a $600 Volks SD. I knew I wasn't going to be able to keep my sanity trying to save that much myself. Someone suggested finding a cheaper doll, and like a lot of people, I thought cheaper always meant less quality. Eventually, I did find one that was less expensive, I really liked, and I'd heard good things from on the DoA forums. I could see myself saving for this one, which was about 1/2 the price of a Volks SD.

So, I would suggest people do get a less expensive doll to start off with - not because they can trash it, or use it for doll experiments, but if they're like me and don't know anyone who already owns one, they can get a doll, and sell it if they don't like it; all the while, not feel totally guilty they spent tons and tons on a doll. I envision myself building up to a larger doll; I also envision myself getting a tiny puki along the way.

 

I'm taking the best of both worlds, I think XP I absolutely love the doll I'm saving for, and she's small so learning how to care for a doll will be easy. Once I'm ready, I'm moving up to a MSD sized doll who will be her big sister or aunt (who is already picked out, lol) :3

 

I never considered getting a cheaper or easier doll as my first doll, and I wouldn't recommend it.
I say just go after the doll you love, no matter what it is. I know plenty of people whose first doll was something like a Mecha Angel or really fancy fullset.
Of course, that does put up the risk of failure, but it's a risk that's up to the owner to take. And if you don't fail it will be a wonderful descision!
But I do think it's a good idea to start fairly simple. I don't suggest trying fancy hybrids and mods with your first doll... Just because those kinds of things can backfire even for experienced doll owners. But as far as price and quality go, get the doll you really love.

 

I think a "starter doll" isnt more of a doll that you just mess with to test stuff out but more of a doll that you can just bond with to see how they work and what not to do if something happens by accident not on purpose. And I think that your "starter doll" is actually the doll you bond with most seeing as how its your first... but maybe im misunderstanding the concept of "starter" doll...

 

I don't think there's anything wrong with a "starter" doll. I think there is something wrong with the assumption that new owners will inevitably screw up their first doll up. That's a pretty big generalization.

The thing about getting into a hobby is not really knowing what you want despite researching things. There's a lot of second guessing yourself when starting something new. It's definitely an individual thing whether you opt for a more affordable doll or get the dream doll.

Personally my dream BJD is a Marina Bychkova porcelain doll. Starting prices begin at $2000 for one of her resin dolls and go upwards from there. I DO NOT have the money for that LOL. So yeah, a compromise was in order. One day I might be lucky enough to get one of her dolls, but in the meantime I'm compromising and I don't think there's anything wrong with that.

It doesn't matter what price bracket you fall into, if you can't afford the SOOM limited and don't want to wait a year saving up then by all means get something cheaper, they're your finances. On the other hand if you're happy to save up and wait then more power to you. I don't think that anyone else's opinion matters.

Definitley you should go for the doll that you want, but there's nothing wrong with accommodating for your finances and inexperience. As long as the choice you make gives you peace of mind and makes you happy I don't see the problem.

 

Personally I'd get a "starter" doll for my kids, because they don't fully understand their value, and don't understand moneys value either. But for myself, being my age, and working for a living, paying bills, and for a roof over my head, I would much rather getting a doll that I want, that I know I will be satisfied with, and not eventually looking for a replacement. I'm the type of person to feel this deep grievance if I am not satisfied with something, especially if I did it with my own consent. Drives me crazy. Also, you already spend enough on a doll, let alone, clothes, accessories, eyes, face-ups, mods, etc. Might as well put your love and devotion into your prized possessions, especially if it's your first doll. Also, if you really really want something, it's a good lesson for patience, and to save money. Haha. I am under the belief that you will appreciate your doll just that much more.

 

I wasn't able to find any cheap and pretty starter dolls. I have made many mistakes on my good dolls and am usually afraid to experiment on them because of this. I've never fully strung one before even and don't know how to tighten the strings on some of my loose ones. I've collected quite a bit though, and the more I get the safer I feel to experiment. I know if I mess anything up, I have others and shouldn't get too disappointed. I'd rather spend my money on dolls that I am attached to and find beautiful instead of buying a, say $200?, starter doll. Even if I get more experience, accidents still happen as well. Also, they will all yellow or chip eventually and I think when they do I'll go nuts experimenting on them. If I found an experimental doll for free, I would definitely go for it though.

 

I got what you would call a starter doll as my first doll. A Bobobie Mei.
I don't feel like I settled on something I didn't want though. I did want a bigger doll, but Mei is perfect for my first.
And I'm not comfortable paying $400+ for a doll yet. One day, maybe. Just not yet. I have so many different collections that I need to be able to support all of them. That being said I do LOVE my Mei and I plan to get more BBBs. Sure they're cheaper and the posing can be finicky, but they're lovely dolls, in my opinion anyhow.

 

I don't like that its called a ''starter'' doll when my own doll is considered one of these because he was inexpensive. He may not be as high quality as the more expensive dolls but he's still very handsome and everything I do with him is done with the same amount of love! He is just as easily customizable as well; and If I do ruin him because I'm a newb then I'll be sad for doing so. Imagine some one thinks they want to take the time and dedication BJDs require to make them beautiful/handsome and after they drop 4-6hundred on a doll they end up not doing anything with it. Or what about those of us that can't afford it; sorry my rent is a thousand dollars a month.. spending 500dollars on a luxury, no matter how badly I want it is just too far fetched. Yes I am saving for an expensive doll but its going to be a while before I can afford one.

Inexpensive dolls are just as easily loved and cared for- yes for the 1/6 ones you have no choice but to make a good portion of their clothing because its not as popular but do it with just as much love as if they cost you 400dollars.

 

I got my first BJD, a Roono Yumi 2 years ago. I was intimidated by her problems (seams were rough, stringing was tight, very kicky) so I sold her. Then last year I bought some Elfdoll Tinies, screw intimidation, they were 14 cm tall! They gave me the courage to look for a larger BJD and after research I ended up buying my Yumi back from the friend I sold her to.
I say buy the doll you like and love them. Whatever you learn along the way will be part of the special bonding with that doll.