Have you tried steaming the pieces before bending them? It works with basswood.

In 1985 or so, a friend taught me how to steam balsa for airfoils in the microwave. Soak it in water, wrap it in plastic wrap, then microwave for a bit until it steams. Then bend it over a form and let it dry. I think he had variations like soak, bend, then microwave, etc.

Never tried the microwave yet. I tried drying wood in the oven and had a nice fire going. Wife was slightly upset!!!