David Ellefson Tone

[vivaknoxvegas]

I always liked classic Metallica more than classic Megadeth, but Dave's bass tones were miles and miles ahead of what Metallica was doing, even with Cliff imo. His bass always sounds great in their mix.

Good luck with that tone hunt, like others have said, it's probably more about playing like him than gear most likely.

 

[Spirit of Ox]

You can get those Jackson Concert basses for a low price. He plays Hartke as of recent years but GK will work too.
Make sure you use lots of palm muting!!

 

[Fuzzbass]

https://www.khdkelectronics.com/products/detail/fallout-bass-overdrive/

Well there is this... "Signature Ellefson bass tone in a single pedal"

From the ad copy:

Technology
The pedal utilizes bi-amp technology with two discrete circuits. It divides your signal down two paths.

The first path stores your original dynamic and color, keeping it unmodified.

The other path adds a distorted sound with fullness and punch. As the two signals meet again, the result is your original sound made more powerful, fuller, and richer.​

That's a whole lot of words for "clean blend".

 

[Pirate Captain]

use "Zoom" at your own risk

 

[Amajew]

As someone who used to play in a Megadeth tribute years ago, a relatively clean tone and even some light OD would be fine.

As others stated don't worry about the exact tone cause you'll never get studio tone in a live rig.

For me it was all about playing super tight and accurate (and as another person stated, palm muting for tunes like Symphony goes a long way). I've heard other bands try and cover that song and if the palm muting isn't there, it just sounds off.

Aside from that no one will care about your tone as long as the band sounds tight in the mix.

I have a couple of videos from that band on my facebook I could try and add here later, or could send them to you via fb messenger if you wish, shoot me a PM.

 

[Element Zero]

I would describe Dave Ellefson's tone as very quiet these days.

 

[Dave W]

From the ad copy:

Technology
The pedal utilizes bi-amp technology with two discrete circuits. It divides your signal down two paths.

The first path stores your original dynamic and color, keeping it unmodified.

The other path adds a distorted sound with fullness and punch. As the two signals meet again, the result is your original sound made more powerful, fuller, and richer.​

That's a whole lot of words for "clean blend".

Kirk Hammett's gotta make it sound appealing!