Depending on the bow design could be 1 to 3 inches shorter than the bow. Found this out with the 5 bows I just got. Get with LBR (Chad), our fearless moderator, at [email protected]. HE makes strings and could twist you up several to try. His prices are very reasonable, and you can pick the colors, I've already bought 5 or 6 strings<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>