Elixir · NANOWEB Phosphor Bronze (coated) · 11-15-22-32-42-52
Elixir 16027 (11-15-22-32-42-52) in Open D on a 25.5" scale
NANOWEB Phosphor Bronze (coated) Custom Light (11-52) on an acoustic guitar with a 25.5" scale, tuned to Open D (D4 A3 F#3 D3 A2 D2), pulls 134.2 lb60.9 kg597 N in total and 22.4 lb10.15 kg100 N per string on average. That is a loose feel for an acoustic guitar. The set is uneven (spread 18.1%). String 5 (A2) deviates most: +34% from the set average.
- Total tension
- 134.2 lb60.9 kg597 N
- Average per string
- 22.4 lb10.15 kg100 N
- Balance
- uneven
- spread 18.1%
Tension per string
| # | Note | Hz | Gauge | Item | Type | Tension | vs avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | D4 | 293.7 | .011 | AR011 | plain | 15.6 lb7.09 kg70 N | −30% |
| 2 | A3 | 220.0 | .015 | AR015 | plain | 15.9 lb7.21 kg71 N | −29% |
| 3 | F#3 | 185.0 | .022 | APN022 | wound | 22.3 lb10.11 kg99 N | −0% |
| 4 | D3 | 146.8 | .032 | APN032 | wound | 30.5 lb13.85 kg136 N | +36% |
| 5 | A2 | 110.0 | .042 | APN042 | wound | 30.0 lb13.62 kg134 N | +34% |
| 6 | D2 | 73.4 | .052 | APN052 | wound | 19.9 lb9.01 kg88 N | −11% |
| Total | 134.2 lb60.9 kg597 N | ||||||
Similar sets in Open D, 25.5"
| Set | Gauges | Avg per string | Total | Feel | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elixir 11025 | 11-15-22-32-42-52 | 21.8 lb9.90 kg97 N | 130.9 lb59.4 kg582 N | loose | uneven |
| Elixir 11027 | 11-15-22-32-42-52 | 21.8 lb9.90 kg97 N | 130.9 lb59.4 kg582 N | loose | uneven |
| D'Addario EJ26 | 11-15-22-32-42-52 | 22.1 lb10.02 kg98 N | 132.6 lb60.1 kg590 N | loose | uneven |
| 16027 (this page) | 11-15-22-32-42-52 | 22.4 lb10.15 kg100 N | 134.2 lb60.9 kg597 N | loose | uneven |
| D'Addario XSABR1253 | 12-16-24-32-42-53 | 23.2 lb10.53 kg103 N | 139.3 lb63.2 kg620 N | loose | moderately uneven |
| Elixir 11050 | 12-16-24-32-42-53 | 23.4 lb10.63 kg104 N | 140.7 lb63.8 kg626 N | loose | moderately uneven |
Best match for a medium feel in Open D, 25.5"
Ranked by how close every string is to 26.8 lb12.14 kg119 N (lower deviation is better).
- Elixir 16182 13-17-25-32-42-53
- Elixir 11100 13-17-26-35-45-56
- D'Addario EJ17 13-17-26-35-45-56
More for the 16027
Other tunings on 25.5": E standard, Drop D, Eb standard, D standard, Drop C, Open G, DADGAD
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 ±3% on single strings.
- Elixir Strings Product Catalog (consumer, 07/2026) (2026-11-01): set part numbers and gauges.