The batmaker said maple bats are stronger, have tighter grains, smoother finishes and last longer.

Compared with early growth, the type commonly sold today because of environmental concerns, old-growth wood has a much tighter grain and denser composition.

It has a tight straight grain that resembles cherry wood.

These timbers were of the highest quality because of the arid climate, which causes the trees to grow very slowly, keeping a tight grain.

"Personally, I like a tight grain with the small, delicate knots," he said.

Old-growth trees, 300 or more years old, make particularly valuable timber for their huge size and tight grain.

But now the scarcity of old timber, with its tight grain from slow growth, has made these logs sunken treasure.

They grow on less nutritious granite soil slowly and have a very tight grain.

According to Konica, it is designed to provide softer contrast and more even skin tones, as well as tighter grain.

The soft red-brown timber has a tight, straight grain and few knots.