People who enjoy collecting ball jointed dolls tend to have very specific tastes in the styles they prefer. Things like how complete the product arrives, facial features, hair, clothing options, skin tone and several other factors can all influence the individual's choice. Finding a BJD shop that caters to one's particular needs and preferences is a must.
Finding the perfect vendor is both easy and difficult at the same time. There are literally thousands of vendors who produce these types of dolls, so there is no shortage of options from which one may choose. However, that is also what makes the task so daunting as one may have to peruse many different sites in order to find a provider that makes their dolls to the specifications one desires.
Japan, China and South Korea are the leading manufacturers of modern versions of the ball jointed doll which are primarily molded from cast Resin though it is possible to find them in the more affordable mediums of vinyl and plastic. They may be as petite as a mere 4" high or as statuesque as 27.5" tall. Figures can be found in three basic skin tones, as females, males or without specific gender, and representing many ages from toddler to adult.
There are quite a few things one may take into consideration as they scroll through the myriad of vendors represented online. The primary factor being the format in which their products are sold. Because a lot of collectors are also hobbyist, dolls are often fully customizable with interchangeable appendages, torsos, heads, hair, eyes and special makeup.
Each company will have their own way of selling their product, but generally speaking, a basic doll set will include a nude body in the chosen form and skin tone, a pair of eyes and a head with items like wigs, clothing and accessories being offered separately. Of course there are also those vendors who will offer completed figures that are fully details and ready for display.
Because many avid collectors like to feel they had a hand in the creation of their dolls, there are some companies who provide several options to their customers in this regard. Sometimes a figure can be ordered completely disassembled, unpainted and with all of the edges from the mold raw and not sanded, allowing the owner to control every little detail. It is also possible to have all of the pieces assembled but still in need of finishing.
These types of dolls are unique in that they may have several interesting options available. Perhaps the most intriguing is that they often represent many ages from about 3 years old to full adult, can be of no gender, male or female and with anatomically correct parts for each stage of maturity. Many pieces are actually interchangeable such as the heads, eyes, hands, wigs and breastplates.
Cost is also something one may certainly wish to consider when seeking out a favored provider for these types of figures. In general, the dolls can cost anywhere from $100 to $1200 or more depending on which manufacturer they come from and other production options selected. Some of the contributing factors to the final price include, but are not limited to, size, construction material, special editions, designer, costumes, wigs and other accessorizing items chosen.
Finding the perfect vendor is both easy and difficult at the same time. There are literally thousands of vendors who produce these types of dolls, so there is no shortage of options from which one may choose. However, that is also what makes the task so daunting as one may have to peruse many different sites in order to find a provider that makes their dolls to the specifications one desires.
Japan, China and South Korea are the leading manufacturers of modern versions of the ball jointed doll which are primarily molded from cast Resin though it is possible to find them in the more affordable mediums of vinyl and plastic. They may be as petite as a mere 4" high or as statuesque as 27.5" tall. Figures can be found in three basic skin tones, as females, males or without specific gender, and representing many ages from toddler to adult.
There are quite a few things one may take into consideration as they scroll through the myriad of vendors represented online. The primary factor being the format in which their products are sold. Because a lot of collectors are also hobbyist, dolls are often fully customizable with interchangeable appendages, torsos, heads, hair, eyes and special makeup.
Each company will have their own way of selling their product, but generally speaking, a basic doll set will include a nude body in the chosen form and skin tone, a pair of eyes and a head with items like wigs, clothing and accessories being offered separately. Of course there are also those vendors who will offer completed figures that are fully details and ready for display.
Because many avid collectors like to feel they had a hand in the creation of their dolls, there are some companies who provide several options to their customers in this regard. Sometimes a figure can be ordered completely disassembled, unpainted and with all of the edges from the mold raw and not sanded, allowing the owner to control every little detail. It is also possible to have all of the pieces assembled but still in need of finishing.
These types of dolls are unique in that they may have several interesting options available. Perhaps the most intriguing is that they often represent many ages from about 3 years old to full adult, can be of no gender, male or female and with anatomically correct parts for each stage of maturity. Many pieces are actually interchangeable such as the heads, eyes, hands, wigs and breastplates.
Cost is also something one may certainly wish to consider when seeking out a favored provider for these types of figures. In general, the dolls can cost anywhere from $100 to $1200 or more depending on which manufacturer they come from and other production options selected. Some of the contributing factors to the final price include, but are not limited to, size, construction material, special editions, designer, costumes, wigs and other accessorizing items chosen.