lifetime warranties are overrated
Exactly. I just bought a Vexter FF, and did the search to find the answer. The answers are out there...There are a few small differences and Mr. Vex has covered in on TGP before...a search will find it if you look hard enough...
and the lifetime warranty
The lifetime warranty is Zach's lifetime. We have to keep him healthy!! (though I've never had a problem with any of his pedals, and I own a few...)
In previous threads, Mr. Vex has stated that the transistors are different manufacturers, but the same type. I don't remember about the capacitors. Most of the parts are the same like the jacks, knobs, etc.
Check out a comparison:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UglQkcVTPA8&feature=channel_page
They don't sound the same to me in that clip.
is the only difference the hand painting?
This is a seriously mistaken post.
I most certainly did NOT say that the transistors were different manufacturers.
All Vexter transistors in the VBOR, VBOM, and VFF are all IDENTICAL to the transistors used in the hand-painted units. They are procured from the same sources and shipped from our factory here to the Vexter assembly house.
The jacks are identical, as are the enclosures, the wires, the switches, the battery clips, and even the lockwashers used on the jacks, which are stainless and shipped from our US supplier.
The resistors and capacitors are from different sources, but have little if any influence over the sound.
From the FAQ on the forum of my website:
http://zvex.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=3814