Elixir · NANOWEB Stainless Bass (coated) · 45-65-80-100
Elixir 14652 (45-65-80-100) in Drop D (bass) on a 34"–37" multiscale scale
NANOWEB Stainless Bass (coated) 4-String Light, Long Scale (45-100) on a bass with a 34"–37" multiscale scale, tuned to Drop D (bass) (G2 D2 A1 D1), pulls 168.7 lb76.5 kg751 N in total and 42.2 lb19.14 kg188 N per string on average. That is a medium feel for a bass. The set is uneven (spread 15.5%). String 4 (D1) deviates most: −24% from the set average.
- Total tension
- 168.7 lb76.5 kg751 N
- Average per string
- 42.2 lb19.14 kg188 N
- Balance
- uneven
- spread 15.5%
Tension per string
| # | Note | Hz | Gauge | Item | Type | Length | Tension | vs avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | G2 | 98.0 | .045 | BSN045 | wound | 34" | 42.0 lb19.07 kg187 N | −0% |
| 2 | D2 | 73.4 | .065 | BSN065 | wound | 35" | 49.8 lb22.61 kg222 N | +18% |
| 3 | A1 | 55.0 | .080 | BSN080 | wound | 36" | 44.9 lb20.36 kg200 N | +6% |
| 4 | D1 | 36.7 | .100 | BSN100 | wound | 37" | 32.0 lb14.51 kg142 N | −24% |
| Total | 168.7 lb76.5 kg751 N | |||||||
Multiscale (fanned frets): string lengths change linearly from 34" (treble) to 37" (bass).
Similar sets in Drop D (bass), 34"–37" multiscale
| Set | Gauges | Avg per string | Total | Feel | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| D'Addario EPS165 | 45-65-85-105 | 41.8 lb18.96 kg186 N | 167.2 lb75.8 kg744 N | medium | uneven |
| 14652 (this page) | 45-65-80-100 | 42.2 lb19.14 kg188 N | 168.7 lb76.5 kg751 N | medium | uneven |
| D'Addario EXL170 | 45-65-80-100 | 42.9 lb19.45 kg191 N | 171.5 lb77.8 kg763 N | medium | uneven |
| Elixir 14677 | 45-65-85-105 | 44.3 lb20.09 kg197 N | 177.2 lb80.4 kg788 N | medium | uneven |
| D'Addario NYXL45105 | 45-65-85-105 | 44.3 lb20.11 kg197 N | 177.3 lb80.4 kg789 N | medium | uneven |
| Elixir 14052 | 45-65-80-100 | 44.8 lb20.34 kg199 N | 179.4 lb81.4 kg798 N | medium | uneven |
Best match for a medium feel in Drop D (bass), 34"–37" multiscale
Ranked by how close every string is to 43.6 lb19.78 kg194 N (lower deviation is better).
- D'Addario EPS165 45-65-85-105
- Elixir 14677 45-65-85-105
- Elixir 14652 45-65-80-100
More for the 14652
Other tunings on 34"–37" multiscale: E standard (bass), Eb standard (bass), D standard (bass)
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.