Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum

Amp Stuff => Tube Amp Building - Tweaks - Repairs => Topic started by: apeontheweb on February 05, 2026, 11:42:04 am

Title: Blocking Distortion Example
Post by: apeontheweb on February 05, 2026, 11:42:04 am

I've been reading about 'blocking distortion' but I can't find any actual examples of recordings. I created this recording: https://youtu.be/j5MlHjA1I5A?si=_s33URtjAMDBb2kq
 (https://youtu.be/j5MlHjA1I5A?si=_s33URtjAMDBb2kq)

I ran a Origin Effects Deluxe 55 into a 5E3 (kit). I think when the guitar drops out (you can hear in the video at timestamps 0:08, 0:15, 0:22 etc) that is an example of blocking distortion? I kind of like of it to be honest. I mean I think it has a place in my guitar sounds toolbox. How can I get this effect without running a pedal into the front of the amp?

Title: Re: Blocking Distortion Example
Post by: AlNewman on February 05, 2026, 10:59:28 pm

Is it blocking distortion, or are you just pushing your tubes into cut off?

Title: Re: Blocking Distortion Example
Post by: dogburn on February 05, 2026, 11:28:50 pm

What you produced sounds more like a spluttering fuzz pedal, the type of sound you get when the battery is dying, and which is replicated in some newer fuzz pedals. From what I gather, blocking distortion is less appealing.

But you are right in that it is hard to find good sound clips out there to know what it's like. But I don't think you've managed that here. As I understand it, it's more inherent in an amp's circuitry rather than something you can provoke by sending in an overdriven signal.