string length question

[Rooselk]

I have a 68 inch Hill type longbow and need to get a new string. My question is this: is a 63 inch string the correct length for this bow?

Thanks.

[CG]

65" is where I would start.

[Stumpkiller]

I agree.  Longbows drop 3" and recurves 4" from the AMO length.

[CG]

Stump..actually there isn't a difference in LB and recurves that are AMO--they should both be 3" shorter (string length under 100# tension).  However, many bows aren't manufactured to AMO standards, so the 3" shorter is really a good starting point if a person doesn't know the actual string length.

[Rooselk]

Thank you very much. Knew I count on the folks here to point me in the right direction.  

[Orion]

The strings on my Hills are closer to 4 inches shorter than the AMO  nock to nock length, i.e. 64 inches for a 68-inch bow.  On the other hand, they're closer to three inches for my mild r/d longbows.  If you still have the string for your bow, get another the same length.

[bawana bowman]

Just send Craig an email and ask him what length he recommends. I own some longbows which the bowyers recommend 3" shorter than AMO, and some recommended for 4" shorter. Never known a bowyer that wouldn't freely give that info, even if you bought the bow used. A quick email can save you a lot of unnecessary twisting, or hassle of having to buy a longer string.

[frank bullitt]

Is that the tip-tip length, or nock-nock length?
It does make a difference when measuring correctly!

[Bowwild]

Yep, I've heard 3-3.5 inches from the rated bow length is the starting place.  I don't remembrer what bow it was but recently I acquired one from the maker and the string was just barely long enough to put any twists in it.