Guide- BL, EBL, SBL, ADG, Kenner at Puchi Collective

Guide- BL, EBL, SBL, ADG, Kenner

BL
Takara’s first attempt at a Neo-blythe in 2001. She had the quirky, posable body of their existing fashion doll, Licca. the first 6 dolls (BL-0 through BL-5) had extremely-open (”boggled”), far-glancing eyes and soft matte faces. After BL-6, they adjusted the eyelids so more was visible, changed the eyeball mold so the eyes did not look as far to the left and right (see pic), and changed the facial complexion to be very shiny. they continued to use the Licca body until they released their first anniversary doll in 2002. (Miss A.)
EBL
Takara celebrated their first anniversary of blythe with a new Blythe model, “Excellent-Blythe.” She featured a body molded very closely to the original Kenner body, but used the same shiny-face/relaxed-eye configuration as the later BLs. With the exception of Cinnamon girl, who was molded in all darker plastics and rubbers, they continued using this combination until Fruit Punch, when they tried a new type of translucent grayish plastic in the eyeballs, as well as new brighter plastics for the eyechips, themselves. Fruit Punch was the “last” regular release EBL. (however, they did release Margaret Meets Ladybug and Samedi Marche long after they stopped regularly producing EBL dolls).
SBL
in 2003, Takara promised eager fans a major overhaul of Blythe, saying she would be based on precise scans of the original Kenner dolls. Superior Blythe, or SBL, was the doll they delivered. She featured all new facial modeling, including interior architecture, eyeballs, eye mech, chips, and scalp. they continued using the grayish eyeball plastic, but changed the eyeballs to have a similar structure behind the chips as Kenners, and the chips were molded to be smoother on the back, producing a much sparklier eye (see pic). The new scalp set-up involved a 3-piece head design, which was much harder to open than the previous 2-piece construction. Eager customizers found the safest way was to actually cut through the top “dome.” The first three SBLs had issues with their eyemechs that some blythe fans had a difficult time putting up with - their eyes rested in a very downward position after you pulled the string. Takara corrected the problem beginning with SBL-04.Two EBL-faced girls were released in the middle of the SBL-period - Samedi Marche and Margaret Meets Ladybug.Takara has recently begun to follow in customizer’s footsteps, releasing stock SBL dolls with “mods,” such as alternate lip styles, foiled chips, custom chip colors, colored eyelids, custom pullrings, custom skintones, painted nails, and tattoos.
RBL
The Radiant Blythe mold was released late 2006. Her head is completely different than SBL (see: Radiant and superior technical comparo), so sawing is no longer required to customize (see: Radiant Head opening tutorial). Her eye mechanism is mostly the same, with a slightly deeper curvature at the edge of the eyelids being the only difference we have noted, so swapping parts is still possible. She has the same Excellent body as SBL and EBL. Darling Diva, Last kiss and Star Dancer are the first three Radiant Blythes.
ADG
Hasbro (Takara’s American cousin) began producing Blythe in the U.S. with Ashton Drake Galleries. During Research and Development, the company worked with the original Kenner doll, however the resulting product is vastly different than any Blythe before her. She shares no molds with her Japanese cousins, however certain parts of her eye mechanism will fit Takara and kenner Blythes (see pic for a kenner with ADG eye parts and ADG scalp). So far she has been released as a redhead, blonde and brunette, in reproduction kenner dresses and boxes
Kenner Blythe
Kenner Blythe is the original doll, produced for a short time in 1972. Concrete details on the production volume and standards of the dolls is vague so speculations and educated guesses are all we really have to go by. She was made in 4 general haircolors; blonde, redhead, dark brunette and auburn brunette. Blondes only seem to have been produced in side-parted hairstyles, but the rest of the colors were produced in sidepart, chunky bangs, and wispy bangs (as well as texture variations) - some combinations are more rare than the rest. There appear to be several mold variations as well as plastic and makeup color variations, with the most common being a very pale pink translucent skin with bold green eyeshadow, pink blush and medium pink lips painted in a sweet smile.Kenner Blythe’s soft rubber scalp is attached via an ingenious system using a cap that clips to her head, meaning she has no glue holding her parts together, with the exception of her eyechips.
Commonalities
All the variations of blythe dolls share the same basic mechanical apparatus - a spring-loaded eye mechanism with 4 sets of eye-positions that change when you pull her string, cleverly hidden behind her eyelids. They all have the same basic proportions with subtle differences creating their distinct personalities. All production Blythes have rooted hair in a rubber scalp.

67 Responses to “Guide- BL, EBL, SBL, ADG, Kenner”

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1Julie AlmondOct 5th, 2006 at 12:04 am

Could you please tell me if it is possible to scalp an ashton drake using the same technique you have on your website.
regards
Julie.
2MelissaOct 5th, 2006 at 9:35 am

Hi Julie,

I have only scalped two ADGs, and they were the very early redheads. I found varying amounts of glue on their scalps ranging from a completely glue-soaked scalp to a thin line around the edge, like EBLs. I used the EBL method of slicing across the back and using a blunt, flat tool to get leverage underneath, and eventually they both came off.

Basically the construction is the same as an EBL though - you don’t have to saw her head open once you get through the glue, just undo the screws and spring and it should come apart.

Good luck, and remember to go slowly and carefully with that exacto blade. I cut into my thigh when I was scalping the gluey ADG!
3JennaOct 13th, 2006 at 6:18 pm

Is it just me or are the photos missing?
4MelittaOct 14th, 2006 at 11:22 pm

No, I seem to have the same problem too?
5Jessica FredrikaNov 3rd, 2006 at 5:17 pm

I just purchased my very first Blythe, (she’s an ADG) so I’m very new to this. I was just wondering if you knew if the ADG’s be able to the fit eye chips that are made to fit BL/EBL/SBL’s? I just want to make sure before I buy them. Thanks.
6MelissaNov 3rd, 2006 at 7:23 pm

Jessica - yes, aftermarket chips should fit in your ADG. I have put EBL chips in mine without any problems.
7AnaNov 16th, 2006 at 12:58 pm

I was just gonna write and suggest doing a little glossary of terms for us newbies - and here it is! I want to say thank you for providing hands-down the most beautiful, informative, and user-friendly (!!) Blythe site I have found. You have relieved much frustration and apprehention. You guys are AWESOME!
8TashayarnaDec 5th, 2006 at 3:06 pm

I have just brought a “Takara Dollcena Miu Ribbon Marie Blythe Japan ABS Doll” from E-bay, could you please tell me what type of blythe she is? as this is my first doll and I am quite new to this ^^ also what clothes,wig ect would fit her?
9MelissaDec 5th, 2006 at 5:05 pm

tashayana - You have a “dollcena.” she’s about 5″ tall, not made by the same people that make blythe but similar in proportion to a petite blythe. I am not sure if she would fit petite blythe clothes, but she might. petite blythe is 4″ tall.

Dollcenas are very cute!
10FabbieDec 19th, 2006 at 12:35 pm

What is a RBL. I heard it’s new. What does it stand for??
11MelissaDec 19th, 2006 at 12:55 pm

RBL stands for radiant blythe, takara’s latest headmold. so far, i think just darling diva, last kiss and the hippie one (star dancer?) are all radiant.

it’s a nice mold! lots of people (including myself) think it’s very kennery.

RBl has the same excellent body and eye mechanism as superiors, but i have noticed a little difference in the eyelids.
12LizzieJan 6th, 2007 at 12:50 pm

hi,

im am going to buy a doll to customise, but im not sure wich dolls are EBL, SBL OR RBL. Would FLOWEr POWER REDHEAD DOLL, THE NUMBER THREE BRUNETTE DOLL AND THE NEWEST NUMBER 4 BRUNETTE BANG BLYTHE DOLL be SBL/EBL or RBL? are they suitable for customising (scalp removal) many thankyous !!!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
13MelissaJan 6th, 2007 at 1:33 pm

Hi Lizzie,

The dolls you have listed are all ADG (Ashton Drake) blythes, not made by Takara. They are relatively inexpensive, but harder to customize due to the type of glue ADG used. I recommend an inexpensive takara blythe, like Mademoiselle Rosebud or one of the prima-dollies for a beginner
14AmyJan 23rd, 2007 at 8:31 pm

Hi Prima Dolly set, Ginger, Ashlette, Violet.Now which are they?
15MelissaJan 23rd, 2007 at 8:57 pm

Hi - The first series of primma dollies (ginger, ashlette, and violet) are SBL (superior). The second generation primma dollies are going to be Radiant (RBL) according to blythedoll.com
16tiffanyJan 25th, 2007 at 7:46 pm

hello, i was wondering if a velvet minuet was SBL. thanks in advance!
17MelissaJan 25th, 2007 at 9:22 pm

yes, VM is SBL. she was one of the first few that also has the slightly downward gaze.
18GabiJan 27th, 2007 at 8:36 am

Hi,

I just bought my first Blythe doll, shes the ADG redhead. I noticed that your picture of the ADG’s don’t have a shiny face. Is that because you matted her or is that the way they come? I have not received her yet so I’m not sure.

Thanks so much!!!

Gabi
19MelissaJan 28th, 2007 at 10:34 am

hi gabi - the ADGs I have seen do not have a super shiny face, but they are not totally matte - I would call it an eggshell finish.
20SuellenFeb 1st, 2007 at 3:07 am

Hi,

Could you tell me if the new prima Dollys have bendable limbs? Also why are the Prima Dollys cheaper than the rest? Is it simply b/c they are produced in greater numbers and have less accessories ? Or are they inferior to the limited release Takara dolls.
l am thinking of ordering one pre-release, she would be my first Blythe!

Thank you,
Suellen
21MelissaFeb 1st, 2007 at 11:39 am

suellen - The prima dollys have the normal EBL body, which has clicking knees but no bendable arms. I believe they are cheaper because they don’t come with very elaborate outfits, accessories, or packaging, but they are the same doll parts as the regular releases.

I ordered all three - they are great bases for customizing!
22SuellenFeb 1st, 2007 at 4:21 pm

Thanks Melissa!

l’ve ordered an Aubrey! l think she is pretty cute!

l also have a question about the Blythe wigs l’ve seen on ebay, how do they stay on? Will they spoil the base hair by using wigs? l really like Aubrey’s bangs & short hair but l’d also like to change her look occasionally. What’s your advice?

This is great site by the way…………..

Cheers,
Suellen
23AnnekeFeb 4th, 2007 at 2:50 pm

Hey,
I bought my first blythe last year on ebay (I live in Belgium and no Blythe shops here). It was a mademoiselle rosebut. Just thought she looked cute and she was one of the cheapest on there. In the mean time I have customized her (mohair reroot, lips carved, the whole shabang…) and loooooooooove her now. But I was wondering, why is she so cheap. What makes some Blythes cheap and others expensive besides offcourse the original Kenner dolls?

kisses from Belgium
Anneke
24MelissaFeb 5th, 2007 at 12:14 pm

Anneke - I believe that there were jsut more MR produced and sent to the US than usual - she was offered here through Urban Outfitters, but her pricetag didn’t sit well with her customers, so they were all clearanced for something like $20. she was also sold through Amazon I believe.

Easier to find = cheaper.
25BlythesBoiFeb 6th, 2007 at 12:40 pm

So BL is the only body type, besides the original Kenner dolls, that have bendable arms AND legs?
26MelissaFeb 6th, 2007 at 12:51 pm

original kenners don’t have posable arms (elbows) - unless you are talking about the shoulder joint. in that case, all incarnations of the blythe body have posable shoulders.

BL has hollow arms with a wire inside, and rubber legs with a wire embedded inside - like licca and jenny.

EBL, SBL, RBL, and kenner have rubber arms (no wire to “hold” the pose), and rubber legs with a plastic and metal clicking knee mechanism, like the kind found in most barbie dolls.
27AliceMar 6th, 2007 at 9:05 am

Hi. After months of shopping/trying to decide on a girl I bought my first Blythe, she’s one of the new prima dollys, and I want to sand matte her face, and I was talking to my dad about it, and he suggested I use this 600 grit sand paper that he has for working on flutes. Do you think that this will work? Do you think 600 grit is too fine? Should I seek out the norton sanding sponges? or do you think its safe to try with something else?
Also, where is the best place to buy new eyechips?
28MelissaMar 6th, 2007 at 11:53 am

Alice - whenever trying out a new sand-matting product, I recommend that you test on the back of her head before matting her face.

I haven’t bought eyechips in a long time, but you could always try eBay.
29LothruinApr 14th, 2007 at 12:16 pm

My first blythe is in the mail, a Prima Dolly Ginger. I rather like her hair as it is very similar to mine only without curl, so I’d like to preserve the scalp and wig and do a second wig reroot myself for customization. I know she is an SBL. After searching Ebay and reading your lovely description, I’m still unsure about whether the rubber scalps are, for the most part, interchangeable. Are the wigs on Ebay actual wigs or rerooted scalps (or both), and will a scalp from any style blythe fit any other, or should I be hunting for an SBL scalp only?
30MelissaApr 15th, 2007 at 5:56 pm

lothruin - blythe wigs on eBay are just that - wigs. they have a soft mesh cap with hair sewn to it. If you put a wig on a girl with no scalp, her head may look a little flat since the scalps sit a good quarter inch above the head.

if you are looking for a perfect fit, you need to buy an SBL scalp. EBL scalp will fit with a gap in the back.

I am not sure how an RBL scalp would fit though, they have introduced a new system with a hard cap attached to the rubber scalp, and I haven’t pulled one apart to test it. Maybe someone else out there has tried it though and can answer you better. You can try the forum members at http://www.thisisblythe.com .
31assthaApr 18th, 2007 at 10:33 pm

Hi Melissa,

I just got my Takara Blythe a few months back and I’m thinking of customising her, but I don’t know how to tell if she’s an SBL/EBL/RBL type. She’s a Fancy Pansy.

I want to change her hairstlye/colour as I find it a bit too short for my liking… any good website to recommend buying saran reroots? I’ve tried eBay but currently they don’t hv any auction going on for saran reroots or eye chips… i’ve only managed to find eyelashes for her for the time being…

And I was looking around some customised blythe and they hv added an additional pull-string for the sleepy eye effect.. any advice on how to do this?
32MelissaApr 19th, 2007 at 9:27 am

asstha - FaPa is EBL.

for saran hair (it’s loose hair, you have to reroot it yourself) I like restoredoll.com.

sleepy eyes are done by removing the spring. the spring is what pulls the eyelids back up after you pull the string. instead of the spring, the second string must be used to “reset” the eyelids and is simply tied on where the spring was removed.
33MuffMuffLadyMay 13th, 2007 at 8:30 pm

I would like to know if the petite Blythes are as good as the ones you talk about in the article? Can I still mess around with their hair and are their eyes changeable?

I am nervous that these are not as good as other Blthes, but are the only ones i can afford right now.
34MelissaMay 14th, 2007 at 9:36 am

MuffMuffLafy - petites are obviously much smaller, and don’t have the details like the working eyes and pull string, but you can still be creative and customize them to your liking! good luck with your petites!
35funkyfairyyJun 3rd, 2007 at 2:06 pm

i have a Mademoiselle rosebud. i cant take her face apart! my husband tried too.
i push as hard as i can on her ears, and nothing!!!! please help….
36MelissaJun 4th, 2007 at 11:42 am

funky: Mademouselle rosebud is a Superior Blythe:
http://www.puchicollective.com/tutorials/blythetutorials/scalping-sbl-blythes/
37funkyfairyyJun 4th, 2007 at 7:33 pm

ok, i see. thanks so very much. i can’t believe i have to cut her like that, EEEKKK.
wish me luck!!!
38LiJun 8th, 2007 at 11:03 am

I have a question about Blythe eyes. I just recieved my first Blythe in the mail, she is a customized Asian Butterfly Encore. (the seller on ebay said the head wasn’t opened) It is very hard to make her eyes change color because the string is hard to pull. I don’t have any other Blythe so I don’t know if this is normal or not. If something is wrong with her, how do I fix it? I don’t even know what kind of Blythe (SBL, EBL etc.) she is.
39MelissaJun 8th, 2007 at 11:20 am

li - hmm, well, the spring in SBLs is pretty strong, but you should be able to change the eye color by pulling straight back on the string. look at the scalpline, does it appear to be sealed up cleanly? if it was opened, you would be able to tell.

were any customizations done to her eyes? new eyechips? sometimes if eyechips are not installed correctly, they can create friction on the eyelids and make it hard to pull the string.
40LiJun 8th, 2007 at 3:49 pm

My doll got new eyechips, and I’m pretty sure the head wasn’t opened. The person I bought this from on ebay says that the new eyechips were superglued in. I can get the eyes to change color, but I have to pull the string really hard to do so and I don’t want to break her.
41MelissaJun 8th, 2007 at 4:49 pm

you won’t break her. you might want to look at each set of eyechips and make sure they are all flush with the eyeball. if they stick out at all it can drag on the eyelid.

if the head wasn’t opened, that’s about the only thing that can cause problems. her spring and T-bar may just be very tight!
42LaurenJun 21st, 2007 at 1:11 pm

I have recantly found that my ADG is missing a plug. HELP! What is the best way to fix it?
43AnnetteSep 12th, 2007 at 7:56 pm

May I know if the opening of a BL Blythe is the same as the EBL blythe? Thanks!
44MelissaSep 13th, 2007 at 8:56 am

Anette - yep! same head mold between EBL and BL.
45LiloSep 22nd, 2007 at 1:27 pm

Hello, i dont speak very well english and i just try to know if my blythes are SBL/EBL/RBL types. I have a V Smash and a Candy Carnival that i bought in summer 2005. Thanks for help me and many thanks for this website wich is really great even if i don’t understand all^^
46MelissaSep 22nd, 2007 at 8:37 pm

Hi Lilo - Candy Carnival and V-Smash are both SBL type Blythes
47karen rogersOct 7th, 2007 at 8:53 pm

Need advice on removing yellowing on Kenner Blythe face………thanks Karen
48leslieNov 17th, 2007 at 7:06 am

hi, Is it easy to remove an ADG scalp? Will the ADG scalp fit a kenner’s head?
And can I replace a kenner’s arms with ADG’s arms?
49MelissaNov 19th, 2007 at 1:38 pm

Hi leslie - From the experience of different ADG owners, it seems like the difficulty really varies! I had an early redhead sidepart, and she had so much glue that it was the hardest scalp I ever removed, but others have had dolls with much less glue, seems they use less glue on the newer ones. the process is the same as for an EBL/BL.

Takara arms fit kenners better than ADG arms, and look more like the originals.
50TracyDec 5th, 2007 at 7:14 am

Hi Melissa!

I recently got my very first Kenner! Poor thing needed a lot of work, and came with no scalp or hard piece! I’m slowly fixing her up, but she needs a scalp, and the coolcat ones really don’t fit well enough

From what I’m reading here, does it mean that an ADG scalp will fit a kenner well? I know there is the photo you posted but I’m not sure if it demonstrates a good or bad fit.

Any help is greatly appreciated. I know BL, EBL, and SBL scalps don’t fit, and since RBL scalps can be used on SBL I doubt it would fit too! I’m at my wit’s end.

Thanks in advance
51MindyDec 12th, 2007 at 9:27 pm

Hi,

I just brought this Takara Blythe doll, the “My Best Friend” one. The one with the chihuahua. I was wondering if this doll is an EBL or SBL? I know for a fact it’s not the new one they made because of the way the back of the head looked and are these dolls made in China because aren’t Takara dolls Japanese?
52MelissaDec 12th, 2007 at 10:48 pm

Hi Mindy, I’m pretty sure MBF is SBL. Takara was bought by Tomy, which is still a Japanese company, but the dolls are produced in a factory in China now.
53TraceyDec 26th, 2007 at 9:19 am

MMMM not true about the glue for the Kenners~ mine, because it is getting older I noticed the head seams are glued! Which I have been too scared to take her apart hence she so needs her eyes cleaned from all the glue yellowing! and one of her chips fell into her head! What is a poor girl to do!!!
54MelissaDec 28th, 2007 at 10:54 am

tracey - unless your doll was previously worked on, that isn’t glue. the top of the head is fused because the soft rubber scalp liquefied the hard plastic and melted it together, happens to all of them. you just slice through the seam with a fresh x-acto knife (the part of the seam under her scalp, around her cheeks and ears should be free already)
55GloriaJan 3rd, 2008 at 12:07 pm

Hello Everyone I’m new to the Blythe world…and I was just wondering wich Blythe would be best for me to get (this will be my first blythe ever)…wich one would you sudgest…I love very black & straight hair preferably with bangs….where is the best place to get one for a reasonable price?
56KerryJan 9th, 2008 at 8:58 am

Gloria- i bought a Mod Molly doll for £58/$118 inc shipping to the UK from Hong Kong. She has red/ginger hair with bangs. I bought her off ebay and at the moment she seems to be the cheapest Blythe. Even though you like black hair it might be an idea to get her and just dye her air black with DYLON or RIT dye, thats what i did.
Also try looking on the ThisIsBlythe forum for dolls that are for sale they often have some cheap dolls on there
57JakiJan 15th, 2008 at 10:56 pm

I have a Birdie Blue doll, which is a tru exclusive. Which type of doll is she? Does she fall into one of those categories?
58MelissaJan 16th, 2008 at 10:44 am

Jaki - Birdie Blue is a SBL (superior) blythe
59GloriaJan 16th, 2008 at 7:59 pm

Thank you verry much Kerry ……my boyfriend told me he is going to get me my first Blythe and I have a feeling is going to be Mod Molly.
60GloriaJan 16th, 2008 at 8:39 pm

Kerry is I do Decide to get Mod Molly and dye her hair with DYLON or RIT dye will it stain her face or body…or like when I wash her hair later will it bleed and stain in any way ?….can you explain the drocess of dying her hair with this products?
61chrisJan 20th, 2008 at 9:48 pm

Hi…I have a 2002 Takara Hollywood Blythe and I don’t know how to tell if it is excellent or BL? It is sealed in box and I don’t want to take her out. The face doesn’t look shiny or matte,it is in between and I can’t tell?
62gloriaJan 28th, 2008 at 6:48 pm

yesssssssssss, I just won my first Blytheon Ebay , she is a lounging lovely………………..yesssssssssssss……..I’m going crazy…she has black straight hair (with a little flip wich is acceptable by my concidering I love straight hair ) with bangs …………yep I’m very exited ………I hope she gets here (NYC) soon she is comming fron taiwan…..yes I’m gonna be a mother…ok going a little crazy here sorry .
63gloriaJan 28th, 2008 at 6:49 pm

can anyone sudgest names for her?
64gloriaFeb 1st, 2008 at 12:01 pm

I got my Lounging lovely , she is gorgeous but her hair is a bit marked by that plastic thing they use to hold their head to the box any idea how to straighten it…. is bugging me a bit…it is alo alitle uneven (right side a little longer)….HELP
65janet morrinApr 10th, 2008 at 12:28 pm

thank you soo much for this guide! this is very informational for a newbie like myself!!!

love, janet

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Guide- BL, EBL, SBL, ADG, Kenner

67 Responses to “Guide- BL, EBL, SBL, ADG, Kenner”

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