I'm setting up a used Redwing recurve for a friend as a gift where should i start with the brace height?

Right now it's about 3-1/8", I shot it a few times and it bit my waist hard with string slap.

I'm use to longbows...  

Drew,

3-1/8" sure sounds like a very small number.  Most of my recurves (Hornes/Morrison) have a brace height of 7 to 8" depending on where the "sweet spot" is.

I'd start with 8".  A little higher brace height is more forgiving with arrow spine as well.

Yep, most recurves are between 7 and 8" brace, 3 1/2" is way too low. Might need a shorter string.

Danny

thanks guys I thought it was a problem it just didn't look or feel right...time to twist and see, maybe it does need a shorter string.

A good rule of thumb for most recurves is 4" shorter than the AMO length printed on the riser. I say most because I've seen a few, like an old Herter's TD I have that's listed as a 62" bow and takes a 56" string. I don't know if there are others,but if there are they are still exceptions.
                                      GY