Elixir · NANOWEB Nickel (coated) · 12-16-24-32-42-52
Elixir 12152 (12-16-24-32-42-52) in B standard on a 25.5"–27" multiscale scale
NANOWEB Nickel (coated) Heavy (12-52) on an electric guitar with a 25.5"–27" multiscale scale, tuned to B standard (B3 F#3 D3 A2 E2 B1), pulls 90.1 lb40.8 kg401 N in total and 15.0 lb6.81 kg67 N per string on average. That is a loose feel for an electric guitar. The set is moderately uneven (spread 10.6%). String 4 (A2) deviates most: +13% from the set average.
- Total tension
- 90.1 lb40.8 kg401 N
- Average per string
- 15.0 lb6.81 kg67 N
- Balance
- moderately uneven
- spread 10.6%
Tension per string
| # | Note | Hz | Gauge | Item | Type | Length | Tension | vs avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | B3 | 246.9 | .012 | AR012 | plain | 25.5" | 13.1 lb5.93 kg58 N | −13% |
| 2 | F#3 | 185.0 | .016 | AR016 | plain | 25.8" | 13.3 lb6.04 kg59 N | −11% |
| 3 | D3 | 146.8 | .024 | ENN024 | wound | 26.1" | 16.6 lb7.52 kg74 N | +10% |
| 4 | A2 | 110.0 | .032 | ENN032 | wound | 26.4" | 17.0 lb7.69 kg75 N | +13% |
| 5 | E2 | 82.4 | .042 | ENN042 | wound | 26.7" | 16.2 lb7.34 kg72 N | +8% |
| 6 | B1 | 61.7 | .052 | ENN052 | wound | 27" | 14.0 lb6.33 kg62 N | −7% |
| Total | 90.1 lb40.8 kg401 N | |||||||
Multiscale (fanned frets): string lengths change linearly from 25.5" (treble) to 27" (bass).
Similar sets in B standard, 25.5"–27" multiscale
| Set | Gauges | Avg per string | Total | Feel | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| D'Addario NYXL1254 | 12-16-20-32-42-54 | 14.5 lb6.58 kg65 N | 87.1 lb39.5 kg387 N | loose | moderately uneven |
| D'Addario EXL145 | 12-16-20-32-42-54 | 14.5 lb6.60 kg65 N | 87.3 lb39.6 kg388 N | loose | moderately uneven |
| 12152 (this page) | 12-16-24-32-42-52 | 15.0 lb6.81 kg67 N | 90.1 lb40.8 kg401 N | loose | moderately uneven |
| D'Addario NYXL1260 | 12-16-20-34-46-60 | 15.9 lb7.20 kg71 N | 95.2 lb43.2 kg424 N | medium | uneven |
| D'Addario EXL148 | 12-16-20-34-46-60 | 15.9 lb7.22 kg71 N | 95.5 lb43.3 kg425 N | medium | uneven |
| D'Addario EXL158 | 13-17-26-36-46-62 | 18.1 lb8.19 kg80 N | 108.4 lb49.2 kg482 N | medium | moderately uneven |
Best match for a medium feel in B standard, 25.5"–27" multiscale
Ranked by how close every string is to 17.1 lb7.76 kg76 N (lower deviation is better).
- D'Addario EXL158 13-17-26-36-46-62
- Elixir 12152 12-16-24-32-42-52
- D'Addario NYXL1260 12-16-20-34-46-60
More for the 12152
Other tunings on 25.5"–27" multiscale: Eb standard, D standard, Drop C, C standard, Drop A
B standard on other scales: 24.75", 25", 25.5", 26.5", 27", 28"
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 ±1% on single strings.
- Elixir Strings Product Catalog (consumer, 07/2026) (2026-11-01): set part numbers and gauges.