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Distorted Tone

Hangar 18

Megadeth

Bassmetal1990s

Original Gear

BassJackson Concert Bass (early 1990s, likely custom or CMG/CBX series)
AmpHartke 3500 (solid state head, 4x10" aluminum cone cab, as per Ellefson's 1990-91 rig)
PickupsPJ configuration (Precision-style split coil + Jazz-style bridge single coil)

Amp Settings

gain7
bass5
mid6.5
treble7
presence7
compression4.5

Effects & Signal Chain

preampMXR MXR M80 Bass D.I.+

Notes

Studio, 1990, Rust in Peace album session

Tone Character(9)
aggressive pick attackclanky upper midsmetallic grindtight low endaudible overdrivearticulate note separationslight mid scooppunchy and cuttingsustained growl

Difficulty

The bass part requires fast, consistent pick technique, tight muting, and precise rhythmic execution to match the complex guitar riffs and maintain clarity through distortion.

Sources

Rig tour: Megadeth’s David Ellefson | MusicRadarDavid Ellefson | Equipboardneed help getting a megadeth david ellefson tone from headrush mx5 | TalkBass.comIs it hard to play bass like lou Barlow (Dinosaur Jr)

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Hangar 18 settings for your amp

Exact settings ToneAdapt players use on these amps.

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Hangar 18 by Megadeth — Distorted Tone Settings | ToneAdapt