Elixir · OPTIWEB Nickel (coated) · 9-11-16-24-32-42
Elixir 19002 (9-11-16-24-32-42) in Eb standard on a 28" scale
OPTIWEB Nickel (coated) Super Light (9-42) on an electric guitar with a 28" scale, tuned to Eb standard (Eb4 Bb3 Gb3 Db3 Ab2 Eb2), pulls 91.9 lb41.7 kg409 N in total and 15.3 lb6.95 kg68 N per string on average. That is a loose feel for an electric guitar. The set is moderately uneven (spread 11.9%). String 2 (Bb3) deviates most: −22% from the set average.
- Total tension
- 91.9 lb41.7 kg409 N
- Average per string
- 15.3 lb6.95 kg68 N
- Balance
- moderately uneven
- spread 11.9%
Tension per string
| # | Note | Hz | Gauge | Item | Type | Tension | vs avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eb4 | 311.1 | .009 | AR009 | plain | 14.2 lb6.44 kg63 N | −7% |
| 2 | Bb3 | 233.1 | .011 | AR011 | plain | 11.9 lb5.39 kg53 N | −22% |
| 3 | Gb3 | 185.0 | .016 | AR016 | plain | 15.7 lb7.12 kg70 N | +2% |
| 4 | Db3 | 138.6 | .024 | ENO024 | wound | 17.3 lb7.83 kg77 N | +13% |
| 5 | Ab2 | 103.8 | .032 | ENO032 | wound | 17.0 lb7.71 kg76 N | +11% |
| 6 | Eb2 | 77.8 | .042 | ENO042 | wound | 15.8 lb7.19 kg70 N | +4% |
| Total | 91.9 lb41.7 kg409 N | ||||||
Similar sets in Eb standard, 28"
| Set | Gauges | Avg per string | Total | Feel | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| D'Addario EXL120BT | 9-12-15-22-30-40 | 14.2 lb6.46 kg63 N | 85.5 lb38.8 kg380 N | loose | very even |
| D'Addario NYXL0942 | 9-11-16-24-32-42 | 15.1 lb6.84 kg67 N | 90.5 lb41.1 kg403 N | loose | moderately uneven |
| D'Addario EXL120 | 9-11-16-24-32-42 | 15.1 lb6.86 kg67 N | 90.7 lb41.1 kg403 N | loose | moderately uneven |
| Elixir 12002 | 9-11-16-24-32-42 | 15.3 lb6.92 kg68 N | 91.6 lb41.5 kg407 N | loose | moderately uneven |
| 19002 (this page) | 9-11-16-24-32-42 | 15.3 lb6.95 kg68 N | 91.9 lb41.7 kg409 N | loose | moderately uneven |
| Elixir 12000 | 9-11-16-24-32-42 | 15.4 lb6.98 kg68 N | 92.3 lb41.9 kg411 N | loose | uneven |
Best match for a medium feel in Eb standard, 28"
Ranked by how close every string is to 17.1 lb7.76 kg76 N (lower deviation is better).
- D'Addario EXL110BT 10-13.5-17-25-34-46
- D'Addario EPS510 10-13-17-26-36-46
- Elixir 12050 10-13-17-26-36-46
More for the 19002
Other tunings on 28": E standard, Drop D, Open G
Eb standard on other scales: 27"
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.