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David Ellefson: Bass Gear, Megadeth, Favorite Bass Lines, New Album and More…
Promo photo courtesy of David Ellefson and Manager, Pamela Parks
David Ellefson is an American musician, best known for his long tenure as the bassist and backing vocalist for the band Megadeth across two stints, from 1983 to their breakup in 2002, and again from 2010 to 2021. He and Jeff Scott Soto joined forces again on their second album together, called “Unbreakable,” which was released in August this year.
KB: Did you always want to be a musician growing up?
Yes! Since I was about 11-12 years old, I knew this was my path. I got a bass guitar at age 11, started putting together bands at age 12, and haven’t stopped since….
KB: Why did you pick the bass as a musical instrument, and who were your bass heroes?
I would say the bass picked me. I’m convinced the universe decides your instrument for you, and that becomes your path. My bass heroes were Gene Simmons, Fred Turner from BTO, and Steve Priest from Sweet. Those three bands (Kiss, BTO, Sweet) were the cornerstone of my rock n roll beginnings.
KB: Which bass guitars have you used in your career, and which are you using now?
I started with a Gibson EB-O. Then a Dan Armstrong acrylic bass, then a Rickenbacker 4001, and then I graduated to the BC Richs and finally Jackson basses in the 80s. Today, I have a vast line of signature basses with Jackson Guitars.
KB: What other equipment are you using in combination with your bass?
I have signature strings with S.I.T. Strings, signature pickups with EMG, I have signature straps with Gruv Gear and Al Bane Leather, I use Jim Dunlop plectrums, and for amps, I prefer Hartke for most applications.
KB: How did you become part of Megadeth, and what is your fondest memory during the two stints with the band?
Me & my best friend Greg Handevidt moved to LA together in 1983 after high school. It was there that we met Dave Mustaine, and together we formed Megadeth. In the first round, I think building the band was always a new challenge, but a new excitement with every turn. With round two, I would say doing the BIG 4 shows was the highlight, and winning a Grammy Award.
KB: Are there any artists out there you would love to collaborate with or wish you had?
There are always new people I perform with who inspire me. I let the opportunities come to me rather than make an all-star wish list.
KB: An EP with 7 of your favorite bass lines (not your own) but played by you: What would you pick and why?
“NIB” – Black Sabbath: Just such a clever and greasy cool bass line
“Detroit Rock City”- Kiss: The song that started it all for me on bass.
“Death on Two Legs” – Queen: This is on the new Ellefson-Soto album! Check it out!
“I Don’t Know” – Ozzy Osbourne: Bob Daisley is one of the greatest bassists (and lyricists!) there ever was in rock n roll.
“No Quarter” – Led Zeppelin: Just such a great riff and line.
“Closer To My Home” – Grand Funk Railroad: Such a great bass line and song from my youth.
“Roundabout” – Yes: Still one of the best with the greatest tone ever…a strong, aggressive, and scorching part!
KB: You have a new album out since August: What’s the title, how did the process go, and what is it about?
The brand-new Ellefson-Soto album, “Unbreakable”, marks the band’s powerful sophomore release. Writing began in 2023 and wrapped up in late 2024, with most of the record tracked at Rogue Recording Studios in London and the rest completed remotely across the globe.
Each song is deeply personal — a reflection of where we are in our lives — yet every track hits with the ferocity and spirit of pure heavy rock and metal.
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Ron Carter is an American Double Bassist with a career spanning more than 60 years who has recorded over 2200 albums. This is a Guinness World Record. He is not only a musician, but also a teacher, a band leader, and an author. He won three Grammys and earned seven honorary doctorates. His new album “Sweet, Sweet Spirit”, with choirmaster Ricky Dillard and New G, was released on 6 February.
KB: Your new album “Sweet, Sweet Spirit”… What was the creative process?
I shared the recordings I made for my mom 30 years ago, and Dr. Dillard and I worked together (along with Zeke Listenbee) on the arrangements to weave the choir, instrumentation, and merge the jazz-gospel genres.
KB: Does the album title have a special meaning?
Aside from being the title of one of the hymns on the album, it embodies the spirit of my mother, and the inspiration and joy I hope everyone feels when listening to this music.
KB: What is the album’s story?
The story on my website tells it best:
The hymns on this album have an independent and deep history for the gospel community, in addition to having been integrated weekly into the life and musical development of the Carter family in the intimate Detroit church community they attended. A church that depended solely on the voices of the parishioners as instruments.
When Willie O. Carter was on bed rest toward the end of her life, she asked her son to sit with her and sing the hymns of his childhood to keep her spirits elevated in musical reminiscence. Mr. Carter promptly went home, recorded himself composing his bass lines integrated with the hymns, for his mother to enjoy during the final weeks of her life.
KB: You collaborated on this album with Dr. Ricky Dillard… How did this come about?
We met when Don Was (President of Blue Note Records) introduced us. He knew I wanted to do an album of hymns, and he knew that Dr. Dillard and I would make a formidable musical team. He and his choir were wonderful. We were able to meld jazz and gospel in a way that has never been done before.
KB: Which musicians are working with you on the album?
In addition to Ricky Dillard and New G, The Baylor Project is on “Farther Along”, Wendy Wyatt is incredible on “Softly and Tenderly”, Avery Sunshine on “Just a Closer Walk with Thee,” and Tim White on “In The Garden”.
KB: Which basses and equipment did you use on the album?
Only my upright Juzek bass and Epifani amp.
KB: I did an interview with Brandi Disterheft, and she called you her mentor.
Brandi is a wonderful student starting to make some headway in the industry. I’m just the bass teacher.
KB: What are the rest of your plans for this year?
No tour plans for this album at the moment, although I’ve got a pretty busy recording and touring schedule this year.
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Back in May 2021, I had the pleasure of speaking with a talented nine-year-old bassist named Ellen Alaverdyan, who was just beginning to make waves in the music world (View Interview). Even then, her passion, dedication, and remarkable talent hinted at a bright future ahead.
Today, I’m excited to welcome Ellen back, along with her father, professional guitarist Hovak Alaverdyan, following the release of Take Off, the debut album from Ellen’s band, Jaminai.
Join me as we discuss the making of this exciting new project, explore how Ellen developed her now-signature bass tone and style, and learn what lies ahead for this young musician whose career continues to soar.
Please welcome Ellen and Hovak Alaverdyan!
Album cover artwork, Ellen Alaverdyan
Header Photo, Hovak Alaverdyan
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Website: www.EllenPlaysBass.com
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Instagram: www.instagram.com/ellenplaysbass
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@EllenPlaysBass
It’s hard to believe that I’ve been chatting with George Gekas, bassist for The Revivalists, for more than a decade. Over the years, we’ve connected during some of the band’s biggest moments, and now they’re preparing to release their sixth full-length studio album, Get It Honest, on July 24, making it the perfect time for another conversation.
Join me as we dive into the making of the new album, discuss what fans can expect from this exciting new chapter, and explore all the great things on the horizon for the band.
Here is George Gekas!
Photo, TommyMoore
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Adam Russell, bassist for Story of the Year, hasn’t slowed down for a second.
With the band’s latest album A.R.S.O.N. dropping on February 13, 2026, they’ve not only delivered new music but also pushed their creativity further through a series of visually striking videos, several of which Adam himself co-directed and edited.
In this interview, we dive into the making of the new record, explore how Adam shapes his signature bass sound, and get the inside scoop on the band’s upcoming Camp Screamo Tour with Silverstein and Origami Angel.
Here’s Adam Russell.
Photo: Ryan Stephens
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Get ready for a conversation with one of Southern rock’s enduring forces, Tim Neilsen. For over 35 years, Drivin N Cryin has been delivering a powerful blend of grit, melody, and heart, and they’re not slowing down anytime soon. With their brand-new album “Crushing Flowers” set to drop on April 10th, the band is gearing up for another exciting chapter.
At the core of that signature sound is bassist Tim Nielsen, whose driving grooves have helped define the band’s identity and earned them a place in the Georgia Music Hall of Fame.
In this interview, we sit down with Tim to talk about the new album, the secrets behind his unmistakable tone, and what lies ahead for Drivin N Cryin.
Here is Tim Nielsen.
Photos: Chris Neilsen, Carlton Freeman, Ted Lanthangue, and courtesy Tim Neilsen
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www.drivinncryin.com
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Interview With Bassist Ellen Alaverdyan and Guitarist Hovak Alaverdyan
Gear News: Fender Honors James Jamerson with a 1962 Precision Bass
Artist Update With The Revivalists’ Bassist George Gekas
Maestro Ron Carter, Sharing the Spirit – June/July 2026 Issue
New Music: Danielle Nicole, Tug Of War
Right Hand Technique Strategies with Dr. Randy Kertz
May 4 Edition – This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
May 11 Edition – This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
May 18 Edition – This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram