Bass of the Week: Nelson Instruments Coquette Bass

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.

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Leave a Reply to Chad Taylor Cancel reply

  1. Not my cup of tea, but it’s original and reasonably priced and I can see why people would like it.

  2. Thanks for the mention! If anyone would like more info or wants to keep up to date on what’s going on with Nelson Instruments feel free to follow at facebook.com/nelsoninstruments

  3. They cost 1400 to 1450
    Just to let you know

  4. I never played one but I know they sound great. ;-i

  5. Emile

    Very retro and a beautiful instrument; sounds like what ? It can not be too difficult to ‘Youtube’ the outcome.