Elixir · NANOWEB Nickel Bass (coated) · 45-65-85-105-130
Elixir 14202 (45-65-85-105-130) in B standard (5-string bass) on a 30" scale
NANOWEB Nickel Bass (coated) 5-String Light, Long Scale (45-130) on a bass with a 30" scale, tuned to B standard (5-string bass) (G2 D2 A1 E1 B0), pulls 168.7 lb76.5 kg750 N in total and 33.7 lb15.30 kg150 N per string on average. That is a loose feel for a bass. The set is uneven (spread 14.1%). String 5 (B0) deviates most: −21% from the set average.
- Total tension
- 168.7 lb76.5 kg750 N
- Average per string
- 33.7 lb15.30 kg150 N
- Balance
- uneven
- spread 14.1%
Tension per string
| # | Note | Hz | Gauge | Item | Type | Tension | vs avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | G2 | 98.0 | .045 | BNN045 | wound | 33.4 lb15.16 kg149 N | −1% |
| 2 | D2 | 73.4 | .065 | BNN065 | wound | 40.0 lb18.16 kg178 N | +19% |
| 3 | A1 | 55.0 | .085 | BNN085 | wound | 37.5 lb17.00 kg167 N | +11% |
| 4 | E1 | 41.2 | .105 | BNN105 | wound | 31.2 lb14.17 kg139 N | −7% |
| 5 | B0 | 30.9 | .130 | BNN130 | wound | 26.5 lb12.02 kg118 N | −21% |
| Total | 168.7 lb76.5 kg750 N | ||||||
Similar sets in B standard (5-string bass), 30"
| Set | Gauges | Avg per string | Total | Feel | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| D'Addario EXL165-5 | 45-65-85-105-135 | 32.6 lb14.79 kg145 N | 163.1 lb74.0 kg725 N | loose | moderately uneven |
| 14202 (this page) | 45-65-85-105-130 | 33.7 lb15.30 kg150 N | 168.7 lb76.5 kg750 N | loose | uneven |
| Elixir 14207 | 45-65-85-105-135 | 34.0 lb15.44 kg151 N | 170.2 lb77.2 kg757 N | loose | uneven |
Best match for a medium feel in B standard (5-string bass), 30"
Ranked by how close every string is to 43.6 lb19.78 kg194 N (lower deviation is better).
- Elixir 14207 45-65-85-105-135
- Elixir 14202 45-65-85-105-130
- D'Addario EXL165-5 45-65-85-105-135
More for the 14202
B standard (5-string bass) on other scales: 32", 34", 35", 34"–37" 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.