Elixir · NANOWEB Nickel (coated) · 9-11-16-26-36-46
Elixir 12027 (9-11-16-26-36-46) in Drop D on a 28" scale
NANOWEB Nickel (coated) Custom Light (9-46) on an electric guitar with a 28" scale, tuned to Drop D (E4 B3 G3 D3 A2 D2), pulls 109.7 lb49.7 kg488 N in total and 18.3 lb8.29 kg81 N per string on average. That is a medium feel for an electric guitar. The set is uneven (spread 19.9%). String 5 (A2) deviates most: +31% from the set average.
- Total tension
- 109.7 lb49.7 kg488 N
- Average per string
- 18.3 lb8.29 kg81 N
- Balance
- uneven
- spread 19.9%
Tension per string
| # | Note | Hz | Gauge | Item | Type | Tension | vs avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | E4 | 329.6 | .009 | AR009 | plain | 15.9 lb7.23 kg71 N | −13% |
| 2 | B3 | 246.9 | .011 | AR011 | plain | 13.3 lb6.05 kg59 N | −27% |
| 3 | G3 | 196.0 | .016 | AR016 | plain | 17.6 lb7.99 kg78 N | −4% |
| 4 | D3 | 146.8 | .026 | ENN026 | wound | 22.2 lb10.07 kg99 N | +21% |
| 5 | A2 | 110.0 | .036 | ENN036 | wound | 23.9 lb10.83 kg106 N | +31% |
| 6 | D2 | 73.4 | .046 | ENN046 | wound | 16.7 lb7.58 kg74 N | −9% |
| Total | 109.7 lb49.7 kg488 N | ||||||
Similar sets in Drop D, 28"
| Set | Gauges | Avg per string | Total | Feel | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| D'Addario NYXL0946 | 9-11-16-26-36-46 | 18.0 lb8.16 kg80 N | 107.9 lb49.0 kg480 N | medium | uneven |
| D'Addario EXL125 | 9-11-16-26-36-46 | 18.0 lb8.17 kg80 N | 108.1 lb49.0 kg481 N | medium | uneven |
| Elixir 12025 | 9-11-16-26-36-46 | 18.2 lb8.24 kg81 N | 109.0 lb49.5 kg485 N | medium | uneven |
| 12027 (this page) | 9-11-16-26-36-46 | 18.3 lb8.29 kg81 N | 109.7 lb49.7 kg488 N | medium | uneven |
| Elixir 19027 | 9-11-16-26-36-46 | 18.3 lb8.29 kg81 N | 109.7 lb49.7 kg488 N | medium | uneven |
| D'Addario EPS510 | 10-13-17-26-36-46 | 19.2 lb8.72 kg85 N | 115.3 lb52.3 kg513 N | tight | moderately 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 12027
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.