Elixir · POLYWEB Nickel (coated) · 9-11-16-24-32-42
Elixir 12000 (9-11-16-24-32-42) in E standard on a 28" scale
POLYWEB Nickel (coated) Super Light (9-42) on an electric guitar with a 28" scale, tuned to E standard (E4 B3 G3 D3 A2 E2), pulls 103.6 lb47.0 kg461 N in total and 17.3 lb7.83 kg77 N per string on average. That is a medium feel for an electric guitar. The set is uneven (spread 12.1%). String 2 (B3) deviates most: −23% from the set average.
- Total tension
- 103.6 lb47.0 kg461 N
- Average per string
- 17.3 lb7.83 kg77 N
- Balance
- uneven
- spread 12.1%
Tension per string
| # | Note | Hz | Gauge | Item | Type | Tension | vs avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | E4 | 329.6 | .009 | AR009 | plain | 15.9 lb7.23 kg71 N | −8% |
| 2 | B3 | 246.9 | .011 | AR011 | plain | 13.3 lb6.05 kg59 N | −23% |
| 3 | G3 | 196.0 | .016 | AR016 | plain | 17.6 lb7.99 kg78 N | +2% |
| 4 | D3 | 146.8 | .024 | ENP024 | wound | 19.3 lb8.76 kg86 N | +12% |
| 5 | A2 | 110.0 | .032 | ENP032 | wound | 19.3 lb8.76 kg86 N | +12% |
| 6 | E2 | 82.4 | .042 | ENP042 | wound | 18.1 lb8.21 kg81 N | +5% |
| Total | 103.6 lb47.0 kg461 N | ||||||
Similar sets in E standard, 28"
| Set | Gauges | Avg per string | Total | Feel | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| D'Addario EXL120BT | 9-12-15-22-30-40 | 16.0 lb7.25 kg71 N | 95.9 lb43.5 kg427 N | medium | very even |
| D'Addario NYXL0942 | 9-11-16-24-32-42 | 16.9 lb7.68 kg75 N | 101.6 lb46.1 kg452 N | medium | moderately uneven |
| D'Addario EXL120 | 9-11-16-24-32-42 | 17.0 lb7.70 kg75 N | 101.8 lb46.2 kg453 N | medium | moderately uneven |
| Elixir 12002 | 9-11-16-24-32-42 | 17.1 lb7.77 kg76 N | 102.8 lb46.6 kg457 N | medium | moderately uneven |
| Elixir 19002 | 9-11-16-24-32-42 | 17.2 lb7.80 kg76 N | 103.1 lb46.8 kg459 N | medium | moderately uneven |
| 12000 (this page) | 9-11-16-24-32-42 | 17.3 lb7.83 kg77 N | 103.6 lb47.0 kg461 N | medium | uneven |
Best match for a medium feel in E standard, 28"
Ranked by how close every string is to 17.1 lb7.76 kg76 N (lower deviation is better).
- D'Addario EXL120BT 9-12-15-22-30-40
- D'Addario NYXL0942 9-11-16-24-32-42
- Elixir 12002 9-11-16-24-32-42
More for the 12000
Other tunings on 28": Drop D, Eb standard, Open G
E standard on other scales: 25.5", 26.5", 27", 25.5"–27" multiscale
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.