Note: If you want an actual GOOD and in-depth review of the SM136 check out Babel99’s review of his SM136 Elf because my review is kinda lazy. His review was excellent and I tended to agree with what he wrote.
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But here goes:
Let me start my saying I like the BCD website. There’s a ton of information, it’s simple to navigate, and it doesn’t set off the half-dozen or so ad-blockers I have running. It gets special points from me because it reminds me of when I handcoded websites back in the day using Macromedia dreamweaver. Yes Macromedia.
With that out of the way, sometime ago I emailed Jeff with an unusual and difficult proposition. I wanted an elf but not just any elf, one completely black. I settled on the SM 136 and Jeff made the request. At first we were met with bad news but Jeff kept pressing. There was even a point in the email thread where Jeff was actively convincing SM Doll to at least try to make her black because I’ve been a good customer. And I REALLY appreciate that.
And that’s where I’d like to start my review about Jeff and BCD. Gethsemane is one of 8 ladies in Salem and I have purchased more from BCD than any other vendor. The reason is: buying from Jeff is a better experience and is simply more fun. There are some great vendors on TDF, I’ve bought from them, but buying from BCD is different. It doesn’t feel like you’re buying from a vendor, but store front shopping with a friend. Being a doll enthusiast himself, I can really sense his excitement as we walk through the process and I get the feeling he’s treating me like he’d want someone to treat him should roles be reversed. It’s nice to have an advocate in this sometimes confusing business. And once you become a part of the BCD family, Jeff really has your back. He has always gotten me a great price, special deal, and makes sure I’m happy with my purchase. Adopting with Jeff makes this road–less-traveled we’ve chosen far easier to traverse.
SM Doll:
Overall, SM did a great job with communication and making Gethsemane. Jack began to email me directly to discuss her specs, I was provided images of her straight out of the mold to approve her skin color and we worked together with my other rather odd requests. Unfortunately, they couldn’t do pitch black, but they got her as dark as they could, which I appreciate. Whoever does the make-up is very talented as well. I personally baby-oiled her face and redid it, but if I hadn't had a specific look in mind, the make-up she shipped with was lovely.
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The SM Doll elf is a fantastic doll. Her shape is incredible, and I really like her ethic looking features. The size of her feet and hands are designed well and look very proportional, which is an issue for some of my other sub-140cm dolls. If you are in the elf market, she is definitely a great option. For those into feet, her feet are some of the most realistic I’ve seen, even with the standing option.
I only have two complaints:
1) Her finger wires oddly do not extend all the way to the end of her fingers. I’m not going to pretend I know more than the designers, and hopefully there was a good reason for this, but it makes her fingers take rather odd positions because the tips of them have no substance. And they feel weak overall.
And here is the biggest issue for me:
2) THE BLANKET. The blanket she shipped with looked like someone simply cut a piece of fabric with a hunting knife. I have about 8 of these blankets now, in various pinks, poka-dots, and white. They are all lovely and stay with their owner her entire life. Gethsemane shipped with a dreadful piece of cloth. Now the other girls in Salem will make fun of her because of her shabby blanket. Shame. This is one thing SM DOLL can improve upon. At least give us some stitching around the edges. I took a picture of Ophelia's blanket for comparison. Guess which is which…
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That said, I am very happy with my purchase from SM DOLL through BCD. Thank you Jack for working with me and making this happen. You have made a beautiful doll and I’ll do my best to bring her to life.
And always thanks to Jeff/BCD. You already know you are by far my favorite vendor.
Carpe Noctem all
