Tahoeguy
If you are new to archery, just take the bow to an archery shop so they can install it for you and hopefully they have an indoor range where they can give you a quick instruction on how to use it. Its not as easy as it looks, and recurve bows are harder to use (well) than compounds.

targetbutt
If the string says 60" AMO, then you buy that. But if it doesn't say AMO then you need to ask the guy and make sure that the number is the actual length of the string. You see, a 60" AMO string is actually about 57" long.

chris w
Check the bow very carefully for cracks before you string that bow. take it with you to the bow shop and have them give it a once over for safety sake.

archerdude
The May 2000 AMO (Archery Manufacturers & Merchants Organization - now under the leadership of the Archery Trade Association) Standards states "AMO Bow Length Standard is designated to be three inches longer than AMO Bow String Master that braces bow at proper String or Brace Height. Bow String Master will carry only the bow length designation. Example: A Bow String Master designated as AMO 66” (bow length) will have an actual length under tension of 63”." That means your bowstring should be approximately 3 inches shorter than the bow's AMO length (the AMO length of your bow is 60 inches - IF it says AMO 60" [or 60" AMO] on the bow). If it actually is 60" AMO, just take the bow to a good archery store and ask for a 60-inch AMO string. Note: I said "archery store", NOT "Cabela's", "Gander Mountain", "Bass Pro", or any of those other big-box "sporting goods" stores; places like Cabela's, et al, are NOT "archery stores", they just happen to have "archery departments". Go to the real archery pros at an archery store. Once you have the string, adjust the brace height -- the folks at the archery store can help you with this. They live, breathe and eat ARCHERY -- not fishing, football or guns. Actually, just take the bow to an archery store and have them look it over. As has been said, it should be checked over for cracks and such. Be safe -- even a small crack in the wrong place can mean a broken bow and a possible hospital stay.

Roy
you need a 54" string 3" for longbow and 4" for recurve