Elixir · POLYWEB Nickel (coated) · 9-11-16-24-32-42
Elixir 12000 (9-11-16-24-32-42) in Drop D on a 25.5"–27" multiscale scale
POLYWEB Nickel (coated) Super Light (9-42) on an electric guitar with a 25.5"–27" multiscale scale, tuned to Drop D (E4 B3 G3 D3 A2 D2), pulls 87.9 lb39.9 kg391 N in total and 14.7 lb6.65 kg65 N per string on average. That is a loose feel for an electric guitar. The set is uneven (spread 15.3%). String 2 (B3) deviates most: −23% from the set average.
- Total tension
- 87.9 lb39.9 kg391 N
- Average per string
- 14.7 lb6.65 kg65 N
- Balance
- uneven
- spread 15.3%
Tension per string
| # | Note | Hz | Gauge | Item | Type | Length | Tension | vs avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | E4 | 329.6 | .009 | AR009 | plain | 25.5" | 13.2 lb6.00 kg59 N | −10% |
| 2 | B3 | 246.9 | .011 | AR011 | plain | 25.8" | 11.3 lb5.13 kg50 N | −23% |
| 3 | G3 | 196.0 | .016 | AR016 | plain | 26.1" | 15.3 lb6.94 kg68 N | +4% |
| 4 | D3 | 146.8 | .024 | ENP024 | wound | 26.4" | 17.2 lb7.79 kg76 N | +17% |
| 5 | A2 | 110.0 | .032 | ENP032 | wound | 26.7" | 17.6 lb7.96 kg78 N | +20% |
| 6 | D2 | 73.4 | .042 | ENP042 | wound | 27" | 13.4 lb6.06 kg59 N | −9% |
| Total | 87.9 lb39.9 kg391 N | |||||||
Multiscale (fanned frets): string lengths change linearly from 25.5" (treble) to 27" (bass).
Similar sets in Drop D, 25.5"–27" multiscale
| Set | Gauges | Avg per string | Total | Feel | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| D'Addario EXL120BT | 9-12-15-22-30-40 | 13.6 lb6.15 kg60 N | 81.3 lb36.9 kg362 N | loose | moderately uneven |
| D'Addario NYXL0942 | 9-11-16-24-32-42 | 14.4 lb6.52 kg64 N | 86.3 lb39.1 kg384 N | loose | uneven |
| D'Addario EXL120 | 9-11-16-24-32-42 | 14.4 lb6.53 kg64 N | 86.4 lb39.2 kg384 N | loose | uneven |
| Elixir 12002 | 9-11-16-24-32-42 | 14.5 lb6.60 kg65 N | 87.3 lb39.6 kg388 N | loose | uneven |
| Elixir 19002 | 9-11-16-24-32-42 | 14.6 lb6.62 kg65 N | 87.5 lb39.7 kg389 N | loose | uneven |
| 12000 (this page) | 9-11-16-24-32-42 | 14.7 lb6.65 kg65 N | 87.9 lb39.9 kg391 N | loose | uneven |
Best match for a medium feel in Drop D, 25.5"–27" multiscale
Ranked by how close every string is to 17.1 lb7.76 kg76 N (lower deviation is better).
- D'Addario EXL110BT 10-13.5-17-25-34-46
- D'Addario EPS510 10-13-17-26-36-46
- Elixir 12052 10-13-17-26-36-46
More for the 12000
Other tunings on 25.5"–27" multiscale: E standard
About these numbers
Tension is calculated, not measured: T = μ · (2 · L · f)², where μ is the string's mass per unit length (unit weight), L the vibrating length (scale) and f the pitch (A4 = 440 Hz, equal temperament). kg means kilogram-force: 1 kg ≈ 9.81 N ≈ 2.205 lb.
How a set feels also depends on the guitar's setup: action height, break angle over the nut and saddle, string length behind the nut and bridge, and your playing style. Plain strings feel stiffer than wound strings at the same tension. Use these figures to compare sets, not as an absolute measure of feel.
Sources
- Elixir Strings — String Tension for Tuning Guitar (2026-11-01): unit weights derived from tensions printed in whole pounds; rounding leaves up to ±3% on single strings.
- Elixir Strings Product Catalog (consumer, 07/2026) (2026-11-01): set part numbers and gauges.