Elixir · NANOWEB Phosphor Bronze (coated) · 12-16-24-32-42-53
Elixir 16052 (12-16-24-32-42-53) in Open D on a 24.75" scale
NANOWEB Phosphor Bronze (coated) Light (12-53) on an acoustic guitar with a 24.75" scale, tuned to Open D (D4 A3 F#3 D3 A2 D2), pulls 136.4 lb61.9 kg607 N in total and 22.7 lb10.32 kg101 N per string on average. That is a loose feel for an acoustic guitar. The set is moderately uneven (spread 11.4%). String 5 (A2) deviates most: +24% from the set average.
- Total tension
- 136.4 lb61.9 kg607 N
- Average per string
- 22.7 lb10.32 kg101 N
- Balance
- moderately uneven
- spread 11.4%
Tension per string
| # | Note | Hz | Gauge | Item | Type | Tension | vs avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | D4 | 293.7 | .012 | AR012 | plain | 17.4 lb7.90 kg77 N | −23% |
| 2 | A3 | 220.0 | .016 | AR016 | plain | 17.3 lb7.86 kg77 N | −24% |
| 3 | F#3 | 185.0 | .024 | APN024 | wound | 25.2 lb11.43 kg112 N | +11% |
| 4 | D3 | 146.8 | .032 | APN032 | wound | 28.8 lb13.04 kg128 N | +26% |
| 5 | A2 | 110.0 | .042 | APN042 | wound | 28.3 lb12.83 kg126 N | +24% |
| 6 | D2 | 73.4 | .053 | APN053 | wound | 19.5 lb8.83 kg87 N | −14% |
| Total | 136.4 lb61.9 kg607 N | ||||||
Similar sets in Open D, 24.75"
| Set | Gauges | Avg per string | Total | Feel | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elixir 11050 | 12-16-24-32-42-53 | 22.1 lb10.02 kg98 N | 132.5 lb60.1 kg589 N | loose | moderately uneven |
| Elixir 11052 | 12-16-24-32-42-53 | 22.1 lb10.02 kg98 N | 132.5 lb60.1 kg589 N | loose | moderately uneven |
| D'Addario XSAPB1253 | 12-16-24-32-42-53 | 22.4 lb10.15 kg100 N | 134.3 lb60.9 kg597 N | loose | moderately uneven |
| D'Addario EJ16 | 12-16-24-32-42-53 | 22.4 lb10.15 kg100 N | 134.3 lb60.9 kg597 N | loose | moderately uneven |
| 16052 (this page) | 12-16-24-32-42-53 | 22.7 lb10.32 kg101 N | 136.4 lb61.9 kg607 N | loose | moderately uneven |
| Elixir 11182 | 13-17-25-32-42-53 | 23.4 lb10.60 kg104 N | 140.2 lb63.6 kg624 N | loose | moderately uneven |
Best match for a medium feel in Open D, 24.75"
Ranked by how close every string is to 26.8 lb12.14 kg119 N (lower deviation is better).
- Elixir 11100 13-17-26-35-45-56
- D'Addario EJ17 13-17-26-35-45-56
- Elixir 16182 13-17-25-32-42-53
More for the 16052
Other tunings on 24.75": 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 ±2% on single strings.
- Elixir Strings Product Catalog (consumer, 07/2026) (2026-11-01): set part numbers and gauges.