Elixir · NANOWEB Nickel (coated) · 9-11-16-24-32-42
Elixir 12002 (9-11-16-24-32-42) in Drop D on a 28" scale
NANOWEB Nickel (coated) Super Light (9-42) on an electric guitar with a 28" scale, tuned to Drop D (E4 B3 G3 D3 A2 D2), pulls 99.1 lb45.0 kg441 N in total and 16.5 lb7.50 kg74 N per string on average. That is a medium feel for an electric guitar. The set is uneven (spread 13.6%). String 2 (B3) deviates most: −19% from the set average.
- Total tension
- 99.1 lb45.0 kg441 N
- Average per string
- 16.5 lb7.50 kg74 N
- Balance
- uneven
- spread 13.6%
Tension per string
| # | Note | Hz | Gauge | Item | Type | Tension | vs avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | E4 | 329.6 | .009 | AR009 | plain | 15.9 lb7.23 kg71 N | −3% |
| 2 | B3 | 246.9 | .011 | AR011 | plain | 13.3 lb6.05 kg59 N | −19% |
| 3 | G3 | 196.0 | .016 | AR016 | plain | 17.6 lb7.99 kg78 N | +7% |
| 4 | D3 | 146.8 | .024 | ENN024 | wound | 19.1 lb8.65 kg85 N | +15% |
| 5 | A2 | 110.0 | .032 | ENN032 | wound | 19.1 lb8.65 kg85 N | +15% |
| 6 | D2 | 73.4 | .042 | ENN042 | wound | 14.1 lb6.40 kg63 N | −15% |
| Total | 99.1 lb45.0 kg441 N | ||||||
Similar sets in Drop D, 28"
| Set | Gauges | Avg per string | Total | Feel | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| D'Addario EXL120BT | 9-12-15-22-30-40 | 15.4 lb7.00 kg69 N | 92.7 lb42.0 kg412 N | loose | moderately uneven |
| D'Addario NYXL0942 | 9-11-16-24-32-42 | 16.3 lb7.41 kg73 N | 98.1 lb44.5 kg436 N | medium | uneven |
| D'Addario EXL120 | 9-11-16-24-32-42 | 16.4 lb7.42 kg73 N | 98.2 lb44.5 kg437 N | medium | uneven |
| 12002 (this page) | 9-11-16-24-32-42 | 16.5 lb7.50 kg74 N | 99.1 lb45.0 kg441 N | medium | uneven |
| Elixir 19002 | 9-11-16-24-32-42 | 16.6 lb7.52 kg74 N | 99.4 lb45.1 kg442 N | medium | uneven |
| Elixir 12000 | 9-11-16-24-32-42 | 16.6 lb7.55 kg74 N | 99.9 lb45.3 kg444 N | medium | uneven |
Best match for a medium feel in Drop D, 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
- Elixir 12002 9-11-16-24-32-42
- D'Addario EXL120 9-11-16-24-32-42
More for the 12002
Other tunings on 28": E standard, Eb standard, Open G
Drop D 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 ±2% on single strings.
- Elixir Strings Product Catalog (consumer, 07/2026) (2026-11-01): set part numbers and gauges.