G4 G4 Pony Rarities Check? To Restore&Sell or Customise?

[neptuneness]

Hi all again Please help me out if you can!
After cataloguing my whole G4 collection, here is a list of all the ones I have at least one extra of: https://data.mlpmerch.com/list/5240/10/
There are a couple missing off this list, but they're mostly reboot ponies, just ones I haven't been able to ID yet.
What I've struggled to find out elsewhere is which of these would be safe/acceptable to use for customs, and which are hard to find and I should restore and sell, trade, etc. I'm not into the idea of having piles of the exact same ponies and I really want to learn how to make customs too.
Another thing also, I've seen other people say 'oh just do whatever with G4s, they're not rare' and I understand that sentiment but it's not how I feel, especially now the vast majority are completely out of stores, they may not be rare but they are more expensive. Either way, that's not really the answer I'm looking for, I just want to know if any of these are especially hard to find, or a general rarity indication on them, I'm not bothered about the monetary value of them but it does usually link to the rarity of the pony afaik. Any UK-specific G4 insights also would be amazing, as it's really hard to tell sometimes what variant of a set might have been most likely to be the one a pony's from when there's multiple variations, re-releases, and 'bonus' sets too.
Most of my collection are sub-par in quality, but I want to do everything I can to restore every pony I have before I write them off as bait or anything.
Identifying these can also be a total pain with what looks like duplicates, and when there are sometimes black serial codes on the hooves, it should help identify them as the same pony from different sets, but nowhere on the internet seems to keep track of how the codes correlate to the sets!
Even if you don't know about these specific ponies, I would really like to know more about which G4 ponies are harder to find or rare, especially in the UK, for my own future reference if you know anything!
I hope I'm making sense, thank you for helping me!! :3

 

[Rebeldream]

I can’t help you since I don’t collect G4 and know very little about them, however, that rainbowfied Fluttershy from the Breezie pack is the first one I’ve WANTED. Are you interested in trading her? I have a handful of brushables that I got recently that I have for trade. I’ll tag you in the post

 

[ponyville]

I'm not an expert, but I think I might be able to help you out with some of your questions!

For starters, as a general rule any pony that isn't the mane 6 is less common. Furthermore, styling size ponies are a bit less desirable because of their large size. Looking at the list, Rainbow Power Cheerilee and Fluttershy, Skywishes, Trixie, Scootaloo, Pursey Pink, both Starlights, EQG Rainbow Dash, Shimmer Flutters Celestia and Coloratura are all ponies you might feel more comfortable trading instead of customizing because they have a higher value. I can't speak on all of the rarity of all the releases you earmarked, but if you're looking for ponies you already have to customize, any of the mane 6 from the Explore Equestria line is probably preferable because they are quite common and less desirable because of their hair quality.

Just be safe, feel free to look up a pony and it's release on Ebay or other sites to determine it's value. Looking at the sold listings will help. This can ensure you're not customizing a pony that is more valuable if you are nervous about that kind of thing!

Here's some general information. If you're familiar with these concepts, just ignore me!
Wondering how to tell what year a pony is from, or what the code on their hoof means? MLP Merch has a great tutorial on it! They do not necessarily correlate to a specific release, but understanding which year a pony is from can help you narrow down the set it is from.
Ponies released later in G4 do not have the same hair quality as ponies released earlier. This makes earlier ponies more desirable. Therefore earlier ponies that are in good condition may be better for trading and selling than later releases!
It seems you are familiar with the word bait. Some people call dirty ponies that need a little clean bait. I consider ponies with marks that will not disappear and/or with cut hair (or, really, really dry hair) to actually be bait, because they would need some work to be pristine anyway- either a rehair or paint to cover up the mark. These are perfect for customizing! Especially if they are a mane 6 pony, because as mentioned, those are generally easier to find.

In the end, they are your ponies, so you can choose what to do with them. This is just some advice to help you narrow down which pony you'd like to customize! You might already know some of this info but I wanted to be comprehensive And, once I start talking about MLP, I can't stop.. Especially with G4, it's one of my fave generations! While it takes time, researching the monetary value of your pony will help inform you on making the best decision with said pony. Mercari isn't available in the U.K. as far as I know, but I'm often stalking the 'my little pony' search to see which ponies come up, how often, and for how much money. It's a strange hobby but it keeps me entertained

 

[neptuneness]

I can’t help you since I don’t collect G4 and know very little about them, however, that rainbowfied Fluttershy from the Breezie pack is the first one I’ve WANTED. Are you interested in trading her? I have a handful of brushables that I got recently that I have for trade. I’ll tag you in the post

I only saw this after I had already replied... sorry for making no sense, I thought you just tagged me to talk about G4, I'm so embarrassed lol. I'm definitely interested in trading, but I'm unsure about how much it would cost to get a pony to you or from you seeing as I'm UK and you're US. I'm not sure also if I've got a duplicate of her breezie or even that one at all because I haven't catalogued all my accessories yet, and I definitely don't have the case or the key, just in case it matters to you. She'll also definitely need a spa day before I send anything away because I haven't fixed up my ponies yet, i.e. I'm trying to let you know I can't send anything off asap, so let me know what you were thinking about this or what you'd be willing to trade for it and if there's anything else you like!

 

[Rebeldream]

I only saw this after I had already replied... sorry for making no sense, I thought you just tagged me to talk about G4, I'm so embarrassed lol. I'm definitely interested in trading, but I'm unsure about how much it would cost to get a pony to you or from you seeing as I'm UK and you're US. I'm not sure also if I've got a duplicate of her breezie or even that one at all because I haven't catalogued all my accessories yet, and I definitely don't have the case or the key, just in case it matters to you. She'll also definitely need a spa day before I send anything away because I haven't fixed up my ponies yet, i.e. I'm trying to let you know I can't send anything off asap, so let me know what you were thinking about this or what you'd be willing to trade for it and if there's anything else you like!

Ah, I overlooked the fact that you’re UK. It’s been a looooong time since I’ve traded overseas so I have no idea what shipping looks like nowadays. No worries, I’m happy to know she exists and I’ll add her to my wishlist for future reference! We could look at shipping later in the future maybe, as I can’t send anything right now anyway.

 

[neptuneness]

Ah, I overlooked the fact that you’re UK. It’s been a looooong time since I’ve traded overseas so I have no idea what shipping looks like nowadays. No worries, I’m happy to know she exists and I’ll add her to my wishlist for future reference! We could look at shipping later in the future maybe, as I can’t send anything right now anyway.

No worries! Me neither, in fact I've never posted anything abroad, but it's something we can always come back to at a later point, like you said. At least you know where to find me Also speaking of G3s in the other thread, if we're on the topic of things to trade and it's something that might interest you I do also have a Sweet Summertime, my only G3, that MLP Database tells me is a Europe exclusive. But I think at some point when I'm more ready for trading, I'll make a proper thread with everything I'd be willing to swap!

 

[Rebeldream]

No worries! Me neither, in fact I've never posted anything abroad, but it's something we can always come back to at a later point, like you said. At least you know where to find me Also speaking of G3s in the other thread, if we're on the topic of things to trade and it's something that might interest you I do also have a Sweet Summertime, my only G3, that MLP Database tells me is a Europe exclusive. But I think at some point when I'm more ready for trading, I'll make a proper thread with everything I'd be willing to swap!

Her original 2003 release was exclusively European, but she was released in the states in 2005. I don’t know if or how they vary from each other, though. Thank you for bringing her up! I look forward to a future swap thread!

 

[neptuneness]

I'm not an expert, but I think I might be able to help you out with some of your questions!

For starters, as a general rule any pony that isn't the mane 6 is less common. Furthermore, styling size ponies are a bit less desirable because of their large size. Looking at the list, Rainbow Power Cheerilee and Fluttershy, Skywishes, Trixie, Scootaloo, Pursey Pink, both Starlights, EQG Rainbow Dash, Shimmer Flutters Celestia and Coloratura are all ponies you might feel more comfortable trading instead of customizing because they have a higher value. I can't speak on all of the rarity of all the releases you earmarked, but if you're looking for ponies you already have to customize, any of the mane 6 from the Explore Equestria line is probably preferable because they are quite common and less desirable because of their hair quality.

Just be safe, feel free to look up a pony and it's release on Ebay or other sites to determine it's value. Looking at the sold listings will help. This can ensure you're not customizing a pony that is more valuable if you are nervous about that kind of thing!

Here's some general information. If you're familiar with these concepts, just ignore me!
Wondering how to tell what year a pony is from, or what the code on their hoof means? MLP Merch has a great tutorial on it! They do not necessarily correlate to a specific release, but understanding which year a pony is from can help you narrow down the set it is from.
Ponies released later in G4 do not have the same hair quality as ponies released earlier. This makes earlier ponies more desirable. Therefore earlier ponies that are in good condition may be better for trading and selling than later releases!
It seems you are familiar with the word bait. Some people call dirty ponies that need a little clean bait. I consider ponies with marks that will not disappear and/or with cut hair (or, really, really dry hair) to actually be bait, because they would need some work to be pristine anyway- either a rehair or paint to cover up the mark. These are perfect for customizing! Especially if they are a mane 6 pony, because as mentioned, those are generally easier to find.

In the end, they are your ponies, so you can choose what to do with them. This is just some advice to help you narrow down which pony you'd like to customize! You might already know some of this info but I wanted to be comprehensive And, once I start talking about MLP, I can't stop.. Especially with G4, it's one of my fave generations! While it takes time, researching the monetary value of your pony will help inform you on making the best decision with said pony. Mercari isn't available in the U.K. as far as I know, but I'm often stalking the 'my little pony' search to see which ponies come up, how often, and for how much money. It's a strange hobby but it keeps me entertained

I appreciate it so much! I'm so happy to find others that love to talk about G4 ponies, I get so excited about them but most forums and groups seem to be very G1 or sometimes G3 oriented, so I was a little worried I'd end up getting booed out of here lol. I'm definitely aware of how common the mane 6 releases are side eyeing my box of mane 6s that's as big as my other ponies box...
I'm glad actually that styling size ponies are less desirable because to me I absolutely love them because they feel like such good customising potential, plus the Twilight I have of that size has the best hair of any of my ponies imo. I really want to track down some more! Especially if I can find an extra Rarity one, would be perfect for making a custom of my ponysona ...I'm getting off topic, sorry!
Those Shimmer Flutters Celestias are the bane of my existence, when I get around to making a big accessories ISO post, her wings might be at the top, I have I think three of her and none of them have wings </3
It's so difficult to know what's good with other collectors for customs, I've seen some customisers use ponies I thought were hard to find such as with fancy markings or uncommon characters like Lily Blossom, and it makes me wince, but I didn't know if I was actually wrong about it, you know?
I haven't actually price checked any of my ponies on eBay purely because I don't collect them for money and I try not to let it affect my decisions on what to buy or keep, but I know roughly what ponies are considered more rare and some of it seems to be honestly common sense. But I think I definitely will after this just out of curiosity!
I like the information even if I already know! I'm just happy to get to talk. I usually ID ponies based on MLP database, narrowing down by character or their 'find my pony' tool, or I sometimes use Toy Sisters as well, but they usually don't have ponies past the first few years. This is why I love getting random bits of accessories too, because it helps with context when there's a pony that was released in multiple sets, but it also serves to confuse me sometimes too, and gets tedious trying to match tiny bits of plastic up to ponies. Clothes? Great, fun, but tiny plates of muffins and treasure chests and stuff do my head in.
I didn't actually know how the hoof codes worked, thank you so much! I was getting anxious because I had ponies I thought were exact duplicates but had a slightly different code and was pulling my hair out trying to figure out my mistake, because I thought it was the serial code of the set, when I had it all wrong and it was just produced on a different day lol!
The one biggest thing I don't know is different types of doll hair. Do you know anything about what type G4s have or whether they changed throughout the years? Or is it just all the same type [nylon??? I think earlier gens are nylon???] and just a cheaper variety later on.
I think most of my ponies would be some level of bait, but for the most part I think they just need some hair care and a clean, and it bothers me when I see so many G4s labelled as bait in lots when they just need some love! I have the same definition as you. Especially with my duplicates, I want to pick the best one I can to restore, and the others if they're not in high demand use for customs. I also don't feel very confident about trying to customise some of the more different ponies such as my pearlised Starlights, so I'm glad you think someone would want to trade them I've also seen people talk about marking ponies you've restored or customised, I was thinking of maybe having my own stamp for under a hoof? I don't know how else to do it.
I really, really appreciate you being so thorough, it helps so much. If you haven't noticed, I'm the same where I can talk a lot about ponies happily! I've never looked, but I don't think Mercari is available here, but I've heard of people buying things from Japan here using a third party service, so maybe there's something like that for the US too! I totally get it though, I love to look on Facebook Marketplace, Depop or Vinted, places like that, [is Mercari like those?] not even to buy just to look at ponies!

 

[neptuneness]

Her original 2003 release was exclusively European, but she was released in the states in 2005. I don’t know if or how they vary from each other, though. Thank you for bringing her up! I look forward to a future swap thread!

Oh I didn't know that sorry! Just going off the web. Thanks for letting me know :3

 

[ponyville]

@neptuneness Yes, I have noticed that the styling ponies have really nice hair as well! It's so soft I'd love to see your ponysona if you are comfortable sharing! One day I would like to make some of my pony ocs into a G4 or G5 pony, but I think I'd need lots of practice before something like that! Lol!!

I find it interesting that you have so many Shimmer Flutters Celestias without the wings! I always thought the Celestias I saw without those wings were an aesthetic choice, because the big wings are hard to display. Maybe it's just because the wings are so hard to find. Or both!
Lily blossom is actually quite common, at least in the U.S., depending on the release. The first edition of Lily Blossom has two-toned yellow hair, two white 'eye shines' in her eye, and was released as part of a set. The second edition, which is very common, has just one eye shine and one tone of yellow for her hair. Her hair is not as nice quality as the earlier version. I have actually considered using one of mine for a custom as she has strangely thin hair and I have so many of her!

I get not wanting to bring money into the conversation of ponies. It can kind of skew your perception of them, like, do I actually like this pony, or do I just want them because they're hard to find?
I love accessories, but yes, trying to ID them can be a nightmare The codes on G4 ponies are interesting to determine what day they were produced, but I think they throw a lot of people off for the same reason you mentioned!
On the topic of hair. Yes, Hasbro uses nylon. This is true for every generation and the beginning of G4. I think for later releases they just used nylon that isn't of the same quality. I don't know for sure but it would make sense to me that some releases at the end of G4, including G4.5, used polypropylene. Some ponies have hair that is just so rough and frizzy right out of the package I can't imagine that it is nylon, but I have never heard anyone discuss whether or not it's poly. It's more so just a guess! I also only know of G3 Monster High using poly hair, and I don't collect that toyline, I just watch from the sides, so I've never felt poly hair that I *know* is poly. So in short, take my musings with a grain of salt

I think a stamp as like a sort of watermark when customizing would be so cool! I love that idea!! And yes, Mercari is just a typical resell site similar to Ebay, which an active pony community so there are lots of pony listings!!

 

[neptuneness]

@neptuneness Yes, I have noticed that the styling ponies have really nice hair as well! It's so soft I'd love to see your ponysona if you are comfortable sharing! One day I would like to make some of my pony ocs into a G4 or G5 pony, but I think I'd need lots of practice before something like that! Lol!!

I find it interesting that you have so many Shimmer Flutters Celestias without the wings! I always thought the Celestias I saw without those wings were an aesthetic choice, because the big wings are hard to display. Maybe it's just because the wings are so hard to find. Or both!
Lily blossom is actually quite common, at least in the U.S., depending on the release. The first edition of Lily Blossom has two-toned yellow hair, two white 'eye shines' in her eye, and was released as part of a set. The second edition, which is very common, has just one eye shine and one tone of yellow for her hair. Her hair is not as nice quality as the earlier version. I have actually considered using one of mine for a custom as she has strangely thin hair and I have so many of her!

I get not wanting to bring money into the conversation of ponies. It can kind of skew your perception of them, like, do I actually like this pony, or do I just want them because they're hard to find?
I love accessories, but yes, trying to ID them can be a nightmare The codes on G4 ponies are interesting to determine what day they were produced, but I think they throw a lot of people off for the same reason you mentioned!
On the topic of hair. Yes, Hasbro uses nylon. This is true for every generation and the beginning of G4. I think for later releases they just used nylon that isn't of the same quality. I don't know for sure but it would make sense to me that some releases at the end of G4, including G4.5, used polypropylene. Some ponies have hair that is just so rough and frizzy right out of the package I can't imagine that it is nylon, but I have never heard anyone discuss whether or not it's poly. It's more so just a guess! I also only know of G3 Monster High using poly hair, and I don't collect that toyline, I just watch from the sides, so I've never felt poly hair that I *know* is poly. So in short, take my musings with a grain of salt

I think a stamp as like a sort of watermark when customizing would be so cool! I love that idea!! And yes, Mercari is just a typical resell site similar to Ebay, which an active pony community so there are lots of pony listings!!

I don't have an actual reference sheet for them right now, but one day I'll show them off! No, I definitely need to practice first, but that's sort of the big project I want to work towards.

I know right! I think they're mostly retired play ponies, so kids have probably lost them tbh. They do detatch really easily.

I didn't know that too! Lucky, the only one I've ever found of her is a water wings one, and I was lucky to find her then. That seems like a wise decision, I've had a couple of ponies that seem like they're prematurely balding lol. A good style or even a rehair will sort it out though!

Yes exactly, that's exactly how I feel about it. If I only think about monetary value I wouldn't enjoy it as much, I get excited when I see an uncommon pony, but I also get excited when I see a new variation of a pony or even just a character I like!

Thank you so much for the hair insights, I was fairly sure it would be nylon, but I'm in the same boat where I follow along with Monster High and other dolls online, but I've yet to actually own one myself! So I don't actually know what different hair types feel like either. Most of my ponies have messy and matted hair so I can't really tell at this point with most of them who has better or worse hair but I'd be so interested to delve into it in the future.

Thank you! Thinking about the little things like getting to stamp the hooves at the end and the satisfaction of a finished job keeps me motivated to get stuck into all these ponies.

 

[ponyville]

I don't have an actual reference sheet for them right now, but one day I'll show them off! No, I definitely need to practice first, but that's sort of the big project I want to work towards.

I know right! I think they're mostly retired play ponies, so kids have probably lost them tbh. They do detatch really easily.

I didn't know that too! Lucky, the only one I've ever found of her is a water wings one, and I was lucky to find her then. That seems like a wise decision, I've had a couple of ponies that seem like they're prematurely balding lol. A good style or even a rehair will sort it out though!

Yes exactly, that's exactly how I feel about it. If I only think about monetary value I wouldn't enjoy it as much, I get excited when I see an uncommon pony, but I also get excited when I see a new variation of a pony or even just a character I like!

Thank you so much for the hair insights, I was fairly sure it would be nylon, but I'm in the same boat where I follow along with Monster High and other dolls online, but I've yet to actually own one myself! So I don't actually know what different hair types feel like either. Most of my ponies have messy and matted hair so I can't really tell at this point with most of them who has better or worse hair but I'd be so interested to delve into it in the future.

Thank you! Thinking about the little things like getting to stamp the hooves at the end and the satisfaction of a finished job keeps me motivated to get stuck into all these ponies.

I would love to see your customs in the future!! Yes, I would be super interested to find out more about the hair Hasbro used for G4, and the overall process of it all! It's something I've been curious about!!