The Absolute Formula to Expressive Drums
We designed the new Absolute Series drums with two points in mind. First: to develop a shell that has as wide an expressive range as possible; and second: to create a drum that faithfully reproduces every nuance in your playing – from a tap to full stroke. In other words, to craft a drum that delivers the tonal consistency and volume you expect in relation to player input.
To address this, we first developed a unique shell formula that responds accurately to differences in the way the drum is played. Then we focused on eliminating as many of the tone-inhibiting elements in the shell as possible. At this stage in development, the shells went through a critical evaluation process of over three years with our great artists and professional recording engineers. They also underwent detailed acoustic analysis by a special team of acoustic engineers. This advanced level of research and development, a trait we at Yamaha are proud of, led to three significant features that are being introduced with the new Absolute Hybrid Series.
Hybrid Maple Shell
The new Absolute Hybrid Series inherits the hybrid shell technology found on our flagship PHX Series. On Absolute Hybrid shells, the design consists of a core ply of wenge a very hard and heavy wood native to Africa, sandwiched between plies of maple, well known for its clear tone. This hybrid design delivers a drum tone that plays rich and clear across the full dynamic range, from pianissimo to fortissimo.
Hook Lug
Hook lugs offer quick and easy head replacement, precision tuning, and can readily handle high-tension tuning. Lug bases are designed with a small footprint to maximise tone output from the hybrid shell.
YESS III
An evolutionary step up from our YESS II tom mount, the YESS III reduces acoustic dampening even further. Allowing the shell to vibrate more freely, the YESS III mount brings out more of the shell’s natural sustain and volume.
Low-Mass Tom Holder Base
The tom holder’s light weight and small footprint allows the bass drum shell to vibrate more freely.
Optimized Bearing Edge
The bearing edge angle on the bass drum differs from the angle used on the tom and snare shells to optimise tonal balance in the drum set. A 45º/R1.5 edge is used on the snare and toms to a balanced tone; while a 30º/ R1.5 edge on the bass drum shell brings out more low-end tone for a deeper, more powerful sound.
Vent Hole
The vent hole plays an important role in performance, since it affects not only the sensation of hitting the drum (the impact) but also the initial sound, sustain and tone.
Through an exhaustive series of prototypes, YAMAHA has discovered the optimal number and vent hole position depending on the air capacity of each shell. Particularly, vent holes contribute to the enhancement of tone colours in midrange to low-frequency sounds, as well as the control of sustain.
Vintage finish interior
Shell interiors are coated with our exclusive “Vintage Natural” finish for enhanced tone and refined looks.
3.0mm Aluminium Die-Cast Hoops
Aluminium die-cast hoops deliver a strong tight sound with an extraordinary attack and decay.

K&M 238 MIC.HOLDER
K&M 23550 MIC.BAR Black
YAMAHA YCL CSGIIIH CLARINET
DADDARIO ACCESSORIES XLR8 STRING CLEANER
K&M 252 MICROPHONE STAND
MEINL STDJSTBK DJEMBE STAND
GIBRALTAR 9608HM HYDRAULIC DRUM THRONE
REMO FALAM PATCH SLAM
PEARL RS525SC/C ROADSHOW DRUMSET BRONZE
DADDARIO ACCESSORIES TUNER UP BRACKET
GIBRALTAR SC-GLL LUG LOCKS
TAMA RB8P PLASTIC BOTTOM (2PCS)
DUNLOP NC65 NECK CRADLE
MEINL 18BYZANCE JAZZ THIN CRASH
MEINL MC-4 PERCUSSION CLAMP
YAMAHA ABSOLUTE MAPLE HYBRID SNARE
ERNIE BALL HYBRID SLINKY BASS 45-105
BOSS OS2 OVERDRIVE DISTORTION
ARTURIA DRUMBRUTE IMPACT
GIBRALTAR DRUM THRONE 6608 MOTORCYCLE SEAT
YAMAHA DTX 432K ELECTRONIC DRUM KIT
VIC FIRTH 55A WOOD TIP
ERNIE BALL EARTHWOOD ROCK & BLUES 10-52
MEINL 12-INCH PRACTICE PAD
MEINL MCCH CHIMES HOLDER
GROVER ROTOMATIC GUITAR MACHINE 3+3 GOLD
BOSS BD2 BLUES DRIVER
DUNLOP 6503 BODY AND FINGERBOARD CARE KIT
EVANS UTILITY DRUM KEY
IBANEZ RG421EXBKF BLACK FLAT
TAMA QC8-B4 QUICK-SET CYMBAL MATE (4PCS)
YAMAHA YCL CSGIIIL CLARINET PITCH CORRECTION
MEINL CAJON BLANKET
GIBRALTAR SC-4J TENSION RODS
GIBRALTAR 9517 CONGA STAND
TAMA CM8P CYMBAL MATE
PEARL RS525SC/C ROADSHOW DRUMSET JET BLACK
YAMAHA YCL CSGAIII A CUSTOM CLARINET HAMILTON PLATED FRENCH SYSTEM
JACKSON JS-32 DINKY SNOW WHITE ELECTRIC GUITAR MAPLE FINGERBOARD
MEINL MCPTS PERCUSSION TABLE
STAGG 20”x10” MARCHING DRUM WHITE 