Elixir · POLYWEB Nickel (coated) · 11-14-18-28-38-49
Elixir 12100 (11-14-18-28-38-49) in Eb standard on a 25.5" scale
POLYWEB Nickel (coated) Medium (11-49) on an electric guitar with a 25.5" scale, tuned to Eb standard (Eb4 Bb3 Gb3 Db3 Ab2 Eb2), pulls 106.2 lb48.2 kg472 N in total and 17.7 lb8.03 kg79 N per string on average. That is a medium feel for an electric guitar. The set is even (spread 7.0%). String 5 (Ab2) deviates most: +11% from the set average.
- Total tension
- 106.2 lb48.2 kg472 N
- Average per string
- 17.7 lb8.03 kg79 N
- Balance
- even
- spread 7.0%
Tension per string
| # | Note | Hz | Gauge | Item | Type | Tension | vs avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eb4 | 311.1 | .011 | AR011 | plain | 17.5 lb7.96 kg78 N | −1% |
| 2 | Bb3 | 233.1 | .014 | AR014 | plain | 16.0 lb7.24 kg71 N | −10% |
| 3 | Gb3 | 185.0 | .018 | AR018 | plain | 16.5 lb7.50 kg74 N | −7% |
| 4 | Db3 | 138.6 | .028 | ENP028 | wound | 18.7 lb8.49 kg83 N | +6% |
| 5 | Ab2 | 103.8 | .038 | ENP038 | wound | 19.6 lb8.90 kg87 N | +11% |
| 6 | Eb2 | 77.8 | .049 | ENP049 | wound | 17.8 lb8.09 kg79 N | +1% |
| Total | 106.2 lb48.2 kg472 N | ||||||
Similar sets in Eb standard, 25.5"
| Set | Gauges | Avg per string | Total | Feel | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| D'Addario EXL115 | 11-14-18-28-38-49 | 17.4 lb7.89 kg77 N | 104.4 lb47.4 kg464 N | medium | even |
| Elixir 12102 | 11-14-18-28-38-49 | 17.7 lb8.01 kg79 N | 105.9 lb48.1 kg471 N | medium | even |
| Elixir 19102 | 11-14-18-28-38-49 | 17.7 lb8.01 kg79 N | 105.9 lb48.1 kg471 N | medium | even |
| 12100 (this page) | 11-14-18-28-38-49 | 17.7 lb8.03 kg79 N | 106.2 lb48.2 kg472 N | medium | even |
| D'Addario NYXL1052 | 10-13-17-30-42-52 | 17.7 lb8.04 kg79 N | 106.4 lb48.2 kg473 N | medium | uneven |
| D'Addario EXL140 | 10-13-17-30-42-52 | 17.8 lb8.06 kg79 N | 106.7 lb48.4 kg474 N | medium | uneven |
Best match for a medium feel in Eb standard, 25.5"
Ranked by how close every string is to 17.1 lb7.76 kg76 N (lower deviation is better).
- D'Addario NYXL1149 11-14-18-28-38-49
- D'Addario EXL115BT 11-15-19-28-37-50
- Elixir 12102 11-14-18-28-38-49
More for the 12100
Other tunings on 25.5": E standard, Drop D, D standard, Drop C, C standard, Open G, Open D, DADGAD
Eb standard on other scales: 24.75", 25", 26.5", 27", 28", 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.