Curly maple is beautiful and expensive as stated. I've seen a few bows made of it, but all were backed. I've only used it for gunstocks, but I can tell you for certain that it would have to backed. The curl in the grain that gives it the beauty would be next to impossible chase. Use of a draw knife usually ends up hooking the curls and tearing out chunks. Be very careful and only use the sharpest rasps in you're arsenal. Just my 2 cents,
Josh