Elixir · POLYWEB Nickel (coated) · 11-14-18-28-38-49
Elixir 12100 (11-14-18-28-38-49) in Drop C on a 25" scale
POLYWEB Nickel (coated) Medium (11-49) on an electric guitar with a 25" scale, tuned to Drop C (D4 A3 F3 C3 G2 C2), pulls 87.8 lb39.8 kg391 N in total and 14.6 lb6.64 kg65 N per string on average. That is a loose feel for an electric guitar. The set is moderately uneven (spread 10.5%). String 6 (C2) deviates most: −17% from the set average.
- Total tension
- 87.8 lb39.8 kg391 N
- Average per string
- 14.6 lb6.64 kg65 N
- Balance
- moderately uneven
- spread 10.5%
Tension per string
| # | Note | Hz | Gauge | Item | Type | Tension | vs avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | D4 | 293.7 | .011 | AR011 | plain | 15.0 lb6.82 kg67 N | +3% |
| 2 | A3 | 220.0 | .014 | AR014 | plain | 13.7 lb6.20 kg61 N | −7% |
| 3 | F3 | 174.6 | .018 | AR018 | plain | 14.2 lb6.42 kg63 N | −3% |
| 4 | C3 | 130.8 | .028 | ENP028 | wound | 16.0 lb7.27 kg71 N | +10% |
| 5 | G2 | 98.0 | .038 | ENP038 | wound | 16.8 lb7.62 kg75 N | +15% |
| 6 | C2 | 65.4 | .049 | ENP049 | wound | 12.1 lb5.50 kg54 N | −17% |
| Total | 87.8 lb39.8 kg391 N | ||||||
Similar sets in Drop C, 25"
| Set | Gauges | Avg per string | Total | Feel | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| D'Addario EXL115 | 11-14-18-28-38-49 | 14.4 lb6.53 kg64 N | 86.4 lb39.2 kg384 N | loose | moderately uneven |
| Elixir 12102 | 11-14-18-28-38-49 | 14.6 lb6.62 kg65 N | 87.6 lb39.7 kg390 N | loose | moderately uneven |
| Elixir 19102 | 11-14-18-28-38-49 | 14.6 lb6.62 kg65 N | 87.6 lb39.7 kg390 N | loose | moderately uneven |
| D'Addario NYXL1052 | 10-13-17-30-42-52 | 14.6 lb6.64 kg65 N | 87.8 lb39.8 kg390 N | loose | uneven |
| 12100 (this page) | 11-14-18-28-38-49 | 14.6 lb6.64 kg65 N | 87.8 lb39.8 kg391 N | loose | moderately uneven |
| D'Addario EXL140 | 10-13-17-30-42-52 | 14.7 lb6.65 kg65 N | 88.0 lb39.9 kg391 N | loose | uneven |
Best match for a medium feel in Drop C, 25"
Ranked by how close every string is to 17.1 lb7.76 kg76 N (lower deviation is better).
- D'Addario NYXL1254 12-16-20-32-42-54
- D'Addario EXL115BT 11-15-19-28-37-50
- D'Addario EPN115 11-14-18-27-37-48
More for the 12100
Other tunings on 25": E standard, Drop D, Eb standard, D standard, Open G, Open D, DADGAD
Drop C on other scales: 24.75", 25.5", 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.