Elixir · NANOWEB Nickel (coated) · 12-16-24-32-42-52
Elixir 12152 (12-16-24-32-42-52) in D standard on a 25" scale
NANOWEB Nickel (coated) Heavy (12-52) on an electric guitar with a 25" scale, tuned to D standard (D4 A3 F3 C3 G2 D2), pulls 115.4 lb52.4 kg514 N in total and 19.2 lb8.73 kg86 N per string on average. That is a tight feel for an electric guitar. The set is moderately uneven (spread 9.7%). String 6 (D2) deviates most: −12% from the set average.
- Total tension
- 115.4 lb52.4 kg514 N
- Average per string
- 19.2 lb8.73 kg86 N
- Balance
- moderately uneven
- spread 9.7%
Tension per string
| # | Note | Hz | Gauge | Item | Type | Tension | vs avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | D4 | 293.7 | .012 | AR012 | plain | 17.8 lb8.06 kg79 N | −8% |
| 2 | A3 | 220.0 | .016 | AR016 | plain | 17.7 lb8.02 kg79 N | −8% |
| 3 | F3 | 174.6 | .024 | ENN024 | wound | 21.5 lb9.75 kg96 N | +12% |
| 4 | C3 | 130.8 | .032 | ENN032 | wound | 21.5 lb9.75 kg96 N | +12% |
| 5 | G2 | 98.0 | .042 | ENN042 | wound | 20.1 lb9.10 kg89 N | +4% |
| 6 | D2 | 73.4 | .052 | ENN052 | wound | 16.9 lb7.68 kg75 N | −12% |
| Total | 115.4 lb52.4 kg514 N | ||||||
Similar sets in D standard, 25"
| Set | Gauges | Avg per string | Total | Feel | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| D'Addario ECG24 | 11-15-22-30-40-50 | 18.4 lb8.35 kg82 N | 110.4 lb50.1 kg491 N | tight | uneven |
| D'Addario NYXL1254 | 12-16-20-32-42-54 | 18.6 lb8.43 kg83 N | 111.6 lb50.6 kg496 N | tight | even |
| D'Addario EXL145 | 12-16-20-32-42-54 | 18.6 lb8.45 kg83 N | 111.8 lb50.7 kg497 N | tight | even |
| 12152 (this page) | 12-16-24-32-42-52 | 19.2 lb8.73 kg86 N | 115.4 lb52.4 kg514 N | tight | moderately uneven |
| D'Addario NYXL1260 | 12-16-20-34-46-60 | 20.3 lb9.19 kg90 N | 121.6 lb55.2 kg541 N | tight | uneven |
| D'Addario EXL148 | 12-16-20-34-46-60 | 20.3 lb9.22 kg90 N | 122.0 lb55.3 kg543 N | tight | uneven |
Best match for a medium feel in D standard, 25"
Ranked by how close every string is to 17.1 lb7.76 kg76 N (lower deviation is better).
- D'Addario EXL115BT 11-15-19-28-37-50
- D'Addario NYXL1254 12-16-20-32-42-54
- D'Addario EPN115 11-14-18-27-37-48
More for the 12152
Other tunings on 25": E standard, Drop D, Eb standard, Drop C, C standard, B standard, Open G, Open D, DADGAD
D standard 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 ±1% on single strings.
- Elixir Strings Product Catalog (consumer, 07/2026) (2026-11-01): set part numbers and gauges.