I have noticed that in some bats the grains are quite prominent as if one touches the surface could feel the grains, while in some bats the grains are dull and more like embedded within the wood.
An example for what I mean to say is the M&H distinction and GM original in the following link:
http://custombats.co.uk/cbforum/index.php?topic=15988.0;topicseenM&H distinction grain look so prominent and even though GM original has such nice grains they are kinda faded.
I wonder if this is a natural phenomenon ( If yes, could the experts here explain the difference between these two types ) or it is the skill of a batmaker.
Also if a bat performance could be judged between these two types?