Didn't we already have a thread on this?

>>1190
Couldn't find this thread. I'm interested too.

It depends, what kinds of dolls do you want? Blythe, bjd, porcelain, antique?
If we knew that we could recommend better.

Assuming you're talking about Ball-Joint Dolls akin to our beloved Maidens, then for a beginner I think that Obitsu would be a decent entry point. They make smaller, lower price bodies with a decent amount of accessories and options. I know that junkyspot.com carries them, but I've never bought from them.

BJDs are really all I know about. Pullips have their own wild and wacky subculture, and as for porcelain and other such display dolls you might be best off with the local arts community, as those types of dolls have been around longer and have many more experts in the west. Try your local doll shop [and I virtually guarantee there is one. They might even have BJDs, I know the one in my old college town did], as any doll shop owner worth their salt will know a bit about them.

>>1701

>Ball-Joint Dolls akin to our beloved Maidens, then for a beginner I think that Obitsu
>BJD
>Obitsu

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McAeQiLmEYU

All those obitsu and DD and sheit are more like action figures then BJDs. And for the list of sites a glance at Den of Angels would do right. It might be best to start here http://www.denofangels.com/forums/showthread.php?313459-BJDs-under-300-%28aka-more-affordable-dolls%29

>>1703
Well, there's your problem. Den of Angels is notorious for elitist faggotry of a fucking impressive caliber.

>>1704

> Den of Angels is notorious for elitist faggotry of a fucking impressive caliber.

It's good for finding reports of good molds and stuff though. And as far as I can tell that's exactly what's needed.

>>1705
Sounds more like what is needed is advice on getting started. A cheap Obitsu is a great way to see if it is something that one would want to do, as any accessories one buys/makes would fit other dolls of the same size from higher quality manufacturers.

$150 USD for a doll body from a top-quality manufacturer vs $20-$30 USD for an Obitsu [still decent quality, and made in Japan if you're that picky.], I'd pick the Obitsu for first-timers, unless you're some rich guy, in which case you might as well go direct to the best and have one custom made by a master dollmaker in Germany or France. Kinda like Warhammer; if you're rich enough, why build an army slowly?

Actually, since these Obitsu are PVC, they're actually tougher than the top dolls [made of resin], and great for learning how to be gentle with dolls without harsh consequences. Even if you do break it, it's only a $30 body, not a $150 "OH SHIT!" moment.

With that in mind, if you're based in the US, I've heard Junky Spot is a decent place to shop. I've seen them at cons before, and they're fairly nice.

If OP decided that he's a True Dollfag after trying the Obitsu, then he can easily upgrade to something nicer. The dolls posted on the Den of Angels link ARE very nice, and great places to expand to as a second doll.

Of course, everything I said above is 100% moot if OP is really just looking for a replica Maiden, rather than take up dolls as a hobby. In which case, go commission someone to build one for you. Just be ready to part with major coin for a super-accurate one.

Not OP but I checked out junkyspot and i wondered if cloth made for other 27 cm dolls would fit a Obitsu since they don't seem to have many cloth made specially for them. Also, could you buy fully dressed up BJD dolls anywhere? Or is that too entry-level?

>>1704
I agree. They very much look down on Dollfie Dreams. OP needs to decide what they want to do and that would depend on where they should go.

I'd like to add another recommendation for The Junky Spot. One of the things that I really like is the fact that anything listed onsite is in stock, no question.