English, turkish, california, french are the same species but grown in different climates and soils which impart the differences in color etc. They have similar densities, in general, and that accounts for their popularity in the high end trade. The cut well and checker well etc. American and claro are usually more porous and heavy. They are more brittle and likely to chip when inletted or checkered. Bastone is a hybrid of california english and claro. It is the result of a graft. It is heavy. For weight to strength the "french" walnut is the best. Of course, this varies from tree to tree and blank to blank.
Last edited by RinB; 06/13/12.
