Distorted Tone

Kill the King

Megadeth

Bassmetal2000s

Original Gear

BassJackson Concert Bass (David Ellefson Signature or similar, active electronics, likely with EMG pickups)

AmpHartke LH1000 (live/studio era) or Peavey MAX 700 (late 90s/early 2000s studio)

PickupsPJ configuration (Precision-style split coil + Jazz-style bridge, likely EMG active)

Amp Settings

gain7

bass5

mid6.5

treble7

presence6.5

compression5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

preampMXR MXR M80 Bass DI+

Notes

Studio recording, released 2000 (Capitol Punishment: The Megadeth Years). Ellefson used Jackson Concert basses with active EMGs, Hartke LH1000 or Peavey MAX 700 amps, and Peavey 8x10 cabs. MXR M80 Bass DI+ used for grit/drive.

Tone Character(9)

aggressive pick attackclanky upper midstight low endgritty overdrivearticulate note separationmetallic edgeslight compressionmodern metal grindpresent in mix

Difficulty

The part requires fast, precise pick technique, tight palm muting, and maintaining clarity through a driven tone, typical of modern metal bass lines.

Sources

David Ellefson | Equipboard Rig tour: Megadeth’s David Ellefson | MusicRadar How do you get a David Ellefson bass tone? - Reddit

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