Bass of the Week: Nelson Instruments Coquette Bass

by Kevin Johnson Thursday, January 2nd, 2014

This week we check out the Nelson Instruments Coquette Bass, a neck-through bass that blends elements of retro styles. The quarter-sawn hard maple neck is flanked with basswood body wings, which the company says offers enhanced sustain, rigidity, and projection.

Nelson Instruments Coquette Basses

The bass comes in single and dual pickup configurations. The pickups are Nelson’s Bass Chiefs mounted to the gold-anodized aluminum pickguard. While the oversized pickguard is aesthetically pleasing, it also helps to reject unwanted interference that causes hum. In addition to volume and tone knobs, the Coquette is fitted with “Insta-tone,” a 3-way switch with deep bass, normal, or treble settings. The two pickup configuration adds a pickup selector switch on the lower horn.

Nelson Instruments Coquette Bass Photos:

Nelson Instruments Coquette Bass Specs:

Scale length: 30.5″
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Fingerboard radius: 9.5″
Neck: Quarter sawn hard maple
Body: Basswood
Pickups: Nelson “Bass Chief”
Fret Count: 21
Pickguard: Anodized aluminum
Tuners: Hipshot Ultra Light, 20:1 ratio
Finish: Nitro Cellulouse Lacquer

For more details, check out the Nelson website.

In his time with No Treble, Kevin has met hundreds of amazing bassists and interviewed icons like Jack Casady, Victor Wooten, Les Claypool, Marcus Miller, and more. He's a gigging bassist performing jazz in Northern Virginia and bluegrass with The Plate Scrapers up and down the East Coast. Kevin appreciates all genres of music, from R&B to metal and everything in between. Connect with Kevin on Facebook and check his performance schedule on his website.