Elixir · OPTIWEB Nickel (coated) · 11-14-18-28-38-49
Elixir 19102 (11-14-18-28-38-49) in Drop D on a 28" scale
OPTIWEB Nickel (coated) Medium (11-49) on an electric guitar with a 28" scale, tuned to Drop D (E4 B3 G3 D3 A2 D2), pulls 138.4 lb62.8 kg616 N in total and 23.1 lb10.47 kg103 N per string on average. That is a tight feel for an electric guitar. The set is moderately uneven (spread 10.6%). String 6 (D2) deviates most: −18% from the set average.
- Total tension
- 138.4 lb62.8 kg616 N
- Average per string
- 23.1 lb10.47 kg103 N
- Balance
- moderately uneven
- spread 10.6%
Tension per string
| # | Note | Hz | Gauge | Item | Type | Tension | vs avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | E4 | 329.6 | .011 | AR011 | plain | 23.8 lb10.77 kg106 N | +3% |
| 2 | B3 | 246.9 | .014 | AR014 | plain | 21.6 lb9.79 kg96 N | −6% |
| 3 | G3 | 196.0 | .018 | AR018 | plain | 22.4 lb10.15 kg100 N | −3% |
| 4 | D3 | 146.8 | .028 | ENO028 | wound | 25.6 lb11.62 kg114 N | +11% |
| 5 | A2 | 110.0 | .038 | ENO038 | wound | 26.2 lb11.86 kg116 N | +13% |
| 6 | D2 | 73.4 | .049 | ENO049 | wound | 18.9 lb8.59 kg84 N | −18% |
| Total | 138.4 lb62.8 kg616 N | ||||||
Similar sets in Drop D, 28"
| Set | Gauges | Avg per string | Total | Feel | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| D'Addario NYXL1149 | 11-14-18-28-38-49 | 22.7 lb10.30 kg101 N | 136.2 lb61.8 kg606 N | tight | moderately uneven |
| D'Addario EXL115 | 11-14-18-28-38-49 | 22.8 lb10.33 kg101 N | 136.6 lb62.0 kg608 N | tight | moderately uneven |
| 19102 (this page) | 11-14-18-28-38-49 | 23.1 lb10.47 kg103 N | 138.4 lb62.8 kg616 N | tight | moderately uneven |
| Elixir 12102 | 11-14-18-28-38-49 | 23.1 lb10.47 kg103 N | 138.4 lb62.8 kg616 N | tight | moderately uneven |
| Elixir 12100 | 11-14-18-28-38-49 | 23.1 lb10.49 kg103 N | 138.8 lb62.9 kg617 N | tight | moderately uneven |
| D'Addario EPN115 | 11-14-18-27-37-48 | 23.7 lb10.73 kg105 N | 142.0 lb64.4 kg632 N | tight | moderately uneven |
Best match for a medium feel in Drop D, 28"
Ranked by how close every string is to 17.1 lb7.76 kg76 N (lower deviation is better).
- D'Addario EXL120BT 9-12-15-22-30-40
- Elixir 12002 9-11-16-24-32-42
- D'Addario EXL120 9-11-16-24-32-42
More for the 19102
Other tunings on 28": E standard, Eb standard, D standard, Drop C, C standard, B standard, Open G, Open D, DADGAD
Drop D on other scales: 24.75", 25", 25.5", 26.5", 27", 25.5"–27" multiscale
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.