Ben Pearson Junior ??

[Tom]

Am refinishing this bow for a coworker and it measures 54" nock to nock along the belly. Thinking a 50.5" string will make this bow live again. What do you think?

[warpedarrow]

That is about where I would build a string if it were mine.  The material used to build the string is a factor.  I will build a string, which includes putting enough tension on it for about an hour to play it like a guitar string, and then set the brace height on the bow.  After fifteen or twenty shots the brace height will be 3/8 to 1/2" less so I adjust again.  Normally it takes one big adjustment and one or two small adjustments.  I never have measured a string after it has settled.  I have found that 3" shorter than bow length results in way too much twisting to get to and keep desired brace height.
I use B50 material for my old bows.  I am not trying to set the world on fire with arrow speed.  In fact, I really enjoy seeing the arrow arch prior to hitting the target.

[Tom]

Thanks Brad, am planning on using b55 as it is a lightweight kids bow, more history than worth.