Port City Amplification Unleashes the Tempest: A Hand-Wired Tube Bass Head Built for Modern Players
There’s a storm brewing at Port City Amplification. The company has just unveiled the Tempest, marking its first bass amplifier head. The hand-wired 60-watt tube bass head is described as combining vintage craftsmanship with modern versatility.
“Through a simple set of controls, the Tempest allows players to dial in everything from vintage warmth to modern punch,” Port City writes. “In addition to volume, treble, middle, and bass controls, the Tempest features a bright switch for enhanced treble shaping—making it equally at home in rock, jazz, funk, and experimental settings.”
The Tempest features two JJ 12AX7 preamp tubes and two KT88 power tubes. It’s fitted with an impedance selector to toggle between 4, 8, and 16 ohm operation, fitting multiple cab configurations. Other features include a solid state rectifier and a line out for recording and running to a PA.
“Hand-built in Asheville, North Carolina using premium components including Mallory capacitors, carbon film resistors, custom USA-made transformers, PVC-coated wire, and Switchcraft jacks, each Tempest is hand-wired to ensure maximum reliability and tone,” the company adds.
The Port City Amplification Tempest bass amp is available now with a list price of $2,450.
Port City Amplification Tempest Bass Amp Features:
| Hand-Built in Asheville, NC |
| Volume, treble, middle, and bass controls with bright switch |
| 2 KT88 power tubes and 2 JJ 12AX7 preamp tubes |
| 60-watt output with 4, 8, and 16 ohm impedance selector |
| Solid-state rectifier |
| Line out for recording and PA integration |
| 20″W x 9″H x 8″D |
| 39 lbs |
In his time with No Treble, Kevin has met hundreds of amazing bassists and interviewed icons like Jack Casady, Victor Wooten, Les Claypool, Marcus Miller, and more. He's a gigging bassist performing jazz in Northern Virginia and bluegrass with The Plate Scrapers up and down the East Coast. Kevin appreciates all genres of music, from R&B to metal and everything in between. Connect with Kevin on Facebook and check his performance schedule on his website.
