Clean Tone

Five Magics (2004 Remix)

Megadeth

Bassmetal2000s

Original Gear

BassJackson Concert Bass (likely custom, passive PJ configuration)

AmpHartke LH1000 (studio, 2004 remix era; Peavey MAX 700 also possible, but Hartke is most cited for this period)

PickupsPassive PJ (Precision/Jazz) configuration

Amp Settings

gain0

bass5.5

mid6.5

treble6

presence5

compression6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 2004 remix of Rust In Peace. Ellefson was using Jackson Concert Basses with passive PJ pickups and Hartke LH1000 heads in this era. Likely a blend of DI and amp-mic'd signal.

Tone Character(9)

crystal clearfocused low endmetallic attacktight and compressedscooped midsbright treblearticulate note separationdry (no audible drive)percussive pick attack

Difficulty

The clean section of 'Five Magics' features rapid, precise picked arpeggios and chord voicings that require advanced right-hand technique and left-hand muting for clarity. The tempo and note separation demand a high level of technical control.

Sources

David Ellefson How to Sound Like...David Ellefson of Megadeth David Ellefson Amplifiers and Effects - Megadeth - Know Your Bass Player (2/2)Five Magics (2004 Remix) - YouTube

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