Elixir · NANOWEB Phosphor Bronze (coated) · 12-16-24-32-42-53
Elixir 16052 (12-16-24-32-42-53) in E standard on a 25.5" scale
NANOWEB Phosphor Bronze (coated) Light (12-53) on an acoustic guitar with a 25.5" scale, tuned to E standard (E4 B3 G3 D3 A2 E2), pulls 163.1 lb74.0 kg725 N in total and 27.2 lb12.33 kg121 N per string on average. That is a medium feel for an acoustic guitar. The set is very even (spread 2.1%). String 6 (E2) deviates most: −4% from the set average.
- Total tension
- 163.1 lb74.0 kg725 N
- Average per string
- 27.2 lb12.33 kg121 N
- Balance
- very even
- spread 2.1%
Tension per string
| # | Note | Hz | Gauge | Item | Type | Tension | vs avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | E4 | 329.6 | .012 | AR012 | plain | 23.3 lb10.56 kg104 N | −14% |
| 2 | B3 | 246.9 | .016 | AR016 | plain | 23.2 lb10.52 kg103 N | −15% |
| 3 | G3 | 196.0 | .024 | APN024 | wound | 30.0 lb13.62 kg134 N | +10% |
| 4 | D3 | 146.8 | .032 | APN032 | wound | 30.5 lb13.85 kg136 N | +12% |
| 5 | A2 | 110.0 | .042 | APN042 | wound | 30.0 lb13.62 kg134 N | +10% |
| 6 | E2 | 82.4 | .053 | APN053 | wound | 26.0 lb11.80 kg116 N | −4% |
| Total | 163.1 lb74.0 kg725 N | ||||||
Similar sets in E standard, 25.5"
| Set | Gauges | Avg per string | Total | Feel | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elixir 11050 | 12-16-24-32-42-53 | 26.4 lb11.99 kg118 N | 158.6 lb71.9 kg705 N | medium | very even |
| Elixir 11052 | 12-16-24-32-42-53 | 26.4 lb11.99 kg118 N | 158.6 lb71.9 kg705 N | medium | very even |
| D'Addario XSAPB1253 | 12-16-24-32-42-53 | 26.8 lb12.14 kg119 N | 160.6 lb72.9 kg715 N | medium | very even |
| D'Addario EJ16 | 12-16-24-32-42-53 | 26.8 lb12.14 kg119 N | 160.6 lb72.9 kg715 N | medium | very even |
| 16052 (this page) | 12-16-24-32-42-53 | 27.2 lb12.33 kg121 N | 163.1 lb74.0 kg725 N | medium | very even |
| Elixir 11182 | 13-17-25-32-42-53 | 28.1 lb12.74 kg125 N | 168.5 lb76.4 kg749 N | medium | even |
Best match for a medium feel in E standard, 25.5"
Ranked by how close every string is to 26.8 lb12.14 kg119 N (lower deviation is better).
- D'Addario EJ16 12-16-24-32-42-53
- Elixir 11050 12-16-24-32-42-53
- Elixir 11182 13-17-25-32-42-53
More for the 16052
Other tunings on 25.5": Drop D, Eb standard, D standard, Drop C, Open G, Open D, 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.