BassDistortedDistorted90% confidence
Holy Wars...The Punishment Due (2004 Remix) Bass Tone Settings
Megadeth · 1990s (recorded 1989–1990; remix released 2004) · Thrash metal
Original Recording
Bass
Jackson four‑string (one red with ebony fingerboard; another possibly silver or originally yellow, later black)
Pickups
EMG pickups (on Jackson signature models)
Amp
Hartke (e.g., Hartke LH1000 head and HyDrive HX810 cabinet), previously Peavey MAX 700
Pickup Position
both
Ellefson recorded Rust in Peace (including Holy Wars) with two four‑string Jackson basses; uses Hartke heads and cabs; earlier used Peavey MAX 700 head
Amp Settings
Mids6.5
Bass5
Gain7.5
Treble7.5
Presence7
compression6
Tone Matcher
Match This Tone to Your Gear
Tell us your guitar and amp — we’ll calculate the exact settings translated to your specific rig.
Adapt to MY Gear →7-day free trial · Cancel anytime.
Tone Character
- bright snap from ebony fingerboard
- tight low‑mid (P pickup reversed)
- punchy, defined mid‑range
- clear articulation in fast thrash lines
Playing Technique
- pick
Notes & Caveats
- Settings derived from 75% AI knowledge and 25% web research. David Ellefson's tone on 'Holy Wars...The Punishment Due' is characterized by a heavily overdriven sound typical of thrash metal, with a cutting midrange and bright treble to ensure clarity in the mix. The bass is slightly reduced to prevent muddiness, while compression is moderate to maintain punch and consistency.