Regarding the drying method - I really don't have an answer to that - I've purchased it before (in Northern VA) and I have no idea how it's been dried. Since moving to Asheville it's been real difficult finding thick (over 8/4) woods.
As long as it retains it beauty (curly maple) and strength I am not sure why I would care how it's dried.
Thanks for considering this. Any help is surely appreciated.
I have been buying through Irion lumber in Pa. The best hardwood I've ever seen. Called instrument grade. Hand picked matching sets. Just second to none. Thicknesses are custom. They by trees and dry them on site. Also they are wood workers which helps. I flew up last summer to see what they had. Barns full of racks of dream wood. For example 8/4 20" wide 16' long curly cherry. Walnut 6/4 16" wide 16' long in matched sets of seven boards. Irion Lumber Company home page
570-724-1895
I buy truck loads of wood from them to build yacht interiors but they mostly sell ones and twos because of quality.
There you go - lots of resources, but if you looking for it green I might could help you out with a wide slab. There's a large WBC log in the yard that promises to make some nice curly lumber, that is If it has not been sold already.