• Check out
    your Soundroom
Curtis Bearden

Independent

Curtis Bearden

About

Paiste Artist Since
July 2008

Nationality
United States

Main Affiliation
Independent

Other Affiliation
Mariah

Setup

Videos & Pics

bearden_curtis_kit.jpg
Paiste_Gallery_Bearden_Curtis_1_550_400.jpg
Paiste_Gallery_Bearden_Curtis_2_550_400.jpg
Paiste_Gallery_Bearden_Curtis_3_550_400.jpg
Paiste_Gallery_Bearden_Curtis_4_550_400.jpg
Paiste_Gallery_Bearden_Curtis_1_550_400.jpg
Paiste_Gallery_Bearden_Curtis_2_550_400.jpg
Paiste_Gallery_Bearden_Curtis_5_550_400.jpg
Paiste_Gallery_Bearden_Curtis_4_550_400.jpg
Paiste_Gallery_Bearden_Curtis_3_550_400.jpg
bearden_curtis_kit.jpg
Paiste_Gallery_Bearden_Curtis_1_550_400.jpg
Paiste_Gallery_Bearden_Curtis_2_550_400.jpg
Paiste_Gallery_Bearden_Curtis_3_550_400.jpg
Paiste_Gallery_Bearden_Curtis_4_550_400.jpg
Paiste_Gallery_Bearden_Curtis_1_550_400.jpg
Paiste_Gallery_Bearden_Curtis_2_550_400.jpg
Paiste_Gallery_Bearden_Curtis_5_550_400.jpg
Paiste_Gallery_Bearden_Curtis_4_550_400.jpg
Paiste_Gallery_Bearden_Curtis_3_550_400.jpg

Biography

Curtis “Crash” Bearden Curtis' musical journey began with a deep appreciation for a diverse range of bands, including Kiss, Rush, Pat Travers, the Steve Miller Band, Tom Scott and The L.A. Express, and the Mahavishnu Orchestra. His early development as a drummer was profoundly influenced by legendary artists Tommy Aldridge and Billy Cobham. During his high school years, Curtis actively participated in the Symphonic Band, Marching Band, and Jazz Ensemble, laying a strong foundation for his musical career. He went on to perform extensively across the U.S. club circuit, which eventually led to his recruitment by a newly formed Minneapolis-based band called Pretty Boy. Around this time, he began private instruction with Gordy Knudtson, esteemed drummer for the Steve Miller Band, further refining his technique and musicality. In 1987, Pretty Boy caught the attention of Jon Bon Jovi and began collaborating with both Jon and Richie Sambora. The band soon rebranded as Mariah and secured a recording contract with Atlantic Records. However, the rise of grunge—led by bands like Nirvana—marked a shift in the music industry, signaling the decline of the 1980s hair band era. Despite Mariah's dissolution in the early 1990s, Curtis remained committed to his craft, focusing on studio work and select live engagements. Expanding his musical versatility, he began performing and recording country music. He is currently working under the mentorship of legendary country drummer Rich Redmond, who has been instrumental in guiding Curtis’s transition into the genre.

Setup Cymbals

Only standard models appear in this section.

Signature Reflector Heavy Full Crash
  • Details

    Sizes: 18", 19", 20"
    Volume: Medium
    Weight: Heavy

    Sound character: Bright, explosive, full, sparkling, warm. Wide frequency range, fairly clean mix. Even, giving feel with a powerful attack, sharp response and a nice sparkling fade. A strong, full, durable and cutting crash with radiant sound.

  • Sounds

Signature Full Ride

Signature Reflector Splash
  • Details

    Sizes: 10"
    Volume: Medium
    Weight: Medium

    Sound character: Bright, fully, silvery, sizzling. Fairly narrow range, fairly clean mix. Quick response, somewhat soft feel. Great cutting splash with a rich sound for all purpose stage or studio applications.

  • Sounds

Signature Full Crash

Signature Power Crash

Signature Sound Edge Hi-Hat
  • Details

    Sizes: 14"
    Volume: Medium
    Weight: Medium

    Sound character: Bright, full, warm, brilliant. Wide range, balanced, focused mix. Responsive feel. Bright, aggressive open sound. Sharp, cutting chick sound. Excellent for articulate playing.

  • Sounds

Signature Heavy China
  • Details

    Sizes: 18"
    Volume: Loud
    Weight: Heavy

    Sound character: Bright, full, trashy. Wide range with complex frequencies. Well suited for stronger china ride playing and big, exotic crashes.

  • Sounds

Signature Mega Cup Chime
  • Details

    Sizes: 13"
    Volume: Loud
    Weight: Heavy

    Sound character: Full, bright, metallic, strong. Narrow range, clean mix. Fairly heavy, very immediate feel. Dry, clear, strong, slightly distorted ping over sparse, warm, metallic bell sound. A loud, lively, unusual cymbal with very specific ride and bell playing functions. Also suited for strong color accents and various percussion effects.

  • Sounds

2002 Mega Bell
  • Details

    Sizes: 10"
    Volume: Medium
    Weight: Heavy

    Sound character: Warm, bright, vibrating, piercing. Medium range, fairly clean mix. Hard, heavy and direct feel. Bright, piercing ping over a warm, powerful, glimmering bell sound. Versatile, heavy instrument for percussive effects.

  • Sounds

Signature Power Hi-Hat