Elixir · NANOWEB Nickel Bass (coated) · 45-65-85-105
Elixir 14087 (45-65-85-105) in C standard (bass) on a 34"–37" multiscale scale
NANOWEB Nickel Bass (coated) 4-String Light/Medium, Extra Long Scale (45-105) on a bass with a 34"–37" multiscale scale, tuned to C standard (bass) (Eb2 Bb1 F1 C1), pulls 125.3 lb56.8 kg557 N in total and 31.3 lb14.21 kg139 N per string on average. That is a loose feel for a bass. The set is moderately uneven (spread 9.7%). String 1 (Eb2) deviates most: −14% from the set average.
- Total tension
- 125.3 lb56.8 kg557 N
- Average per string
- 31.3 lb14.21 kg139 N
- Balance
- moderately uneven
- spread 9.7%
Tension per string
| # | Note | Hz | Gauge | Item | Type | Length | Tension | vs avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eb2 | 77.8 | .045 | BNN045 | wound | 34" | 27.0 lb12.26 kg120 N | −14% |
| 2 | Bb1 | 58.3 | .065 | BNN065 | wound | 35" | 34.3 lb15.57 kg153 N | +10% |
| 3 | F1 | 43.7 | .085 | BNN085 | wound | 36" | 34.0 lb15.42 kg151 N | +9% |
| 4 | C1 | 32.7 | .105 | BNN105 | wound | 37" | 29.9 lb13.58 kg133 N | −4% |
| Total | 125.3 lb56.8 kg557 N | |||||||
Multiscale (fanned frets): string lengths change linearly from 34" (treble) to 37" (bass).
Similar sets in C standard (bass), 34"–37" multiscale
| Set | Gauges | Avg per string | Total | Feel | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| D'Addario EXL165 | 45-65-85-105 | 29.9 lb13.56 kg133 N | 119.6 lb54.2 kg532 N | loose | moderately uneven |
| 14087 (this page) | 45-65-85-105 | 31.3 lb14.21 kg139 N | 125.3 lb56.8 kg557 N | loose | moderately uneven |
| Elixir 14077 | 45-65-85-105 | 31.3 lb14.21 kg139 N | 125.3 lb56.8 kg557 N | loose | moderately uneven |
| Elixir 14702 | 50-70-85-105 | 31.9 lb14.49 kg142 N | 127.7 lb57.9 kg568 N | loose | moderately uneven |
| D'Addario ECB81 | 45-65-80-100 | 32.0 lb14.52 kg142 N | 128.0 lb58.1 kg570 N | loose | moderately uneven |
| D'Addario EXL160 | 50-70-85-105 | 32.3 lb14.67 kg144 N | 129.3 lb58.7 kg575 N | loose | moderately uneven |
Best match for a medium feel in C standard (bass), 34"–37" multiscale
Ranked by how close every string is to 43.6 lb19.78 kg194 N (lower deviation is better).
- Elixir 14102 50-70-85-105
- D'Addario EXL160 50-70-85-105
- D'Addario ECB81 45-65-80-100
More for the 14087
Other tunings on 34"–37" multiscale: E standard (bass), Drop D (bass), Eb standard (bass), D standard (bass), Drop C (bass)
C standard (bass) on other scales: 35"
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.