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.

PROTECTION RACKET 9018A DRUM MAT BAG
DADDARIO EJ39
MEINL NINO EGG SHAKER 4-PACK
EVANS 22 EMAD2 BATTER CLEAR
SUPRO KEELEY CUSTOM 12 TUBE GUITAR COMBO
PROTECTION RACKET BASS GUITAR CASE
EVANS EC1 COATED 10 INCH
PROTECTION RACKET 9114 DJEMBE BAG
DUNLOP JOHN PETRUCCI JAZZ III PICK PACK
ROLAND RDH120 HI-HAT STAND WITH NOISE EATER
KORG MICROKORG XL+
YAMAHA PCY 135A
SHURE SRH440A RECORDING AND LIVE HEADPHONES
MEINL MCCH CHIMES HOLDER
DADDARIO HELICORE H310 4/4M VIOLIN STRING SET, 4/4 SCALE, MEDIUM TENSION
REMO MF-1013-00 13 CONTROL RING
YAMAHA KICK UNIT KU100 PEDAL
ZILDJIAN 14K CUSTOM SESSION HIHAT
HOHNER SPECIAL-20 CLASSIC A-MAJOR
MOOER RAGE MACHINE METAL DISTORTION PEDAL
REMO DYNAMO PACK DM 0579-70
EVANS 13 ONYX 2-PLY COATED
BOSS KTN-210B KATANA BASS AMPLIFIER
ERNIE BALL COATED SLINKY ELECTRIC 12-56
ALESIS SR18 DRUM MACHINE
YAMAHA YUS1 PWH
DADDARIO ECG25 CHROMES
YAMAHA CWH 940
KLOTZ ATCC0300 RCA TWINCABLE 3m.
MEINL NINOADJ4S WOOD DJEMBE
MEINL NINO36 HAND DRUM
PROTECTION RACKET 12X10 TOM CASE
DADDARIO ACCESSORIES RESTORE PWPL01
MEINL ADJ2-XL DJEMBE SET
MEINL ADJ7M AFRICAN DJEMBE MEDIUM BLACK RED
YAMAHA ARIUS YDP-165 DIGITAL PIANO ROSEWOOD
TAMA IRON COBRA HH605 HI-HAT STAND
PEARL PC110P CONGA STAND PRIMERO 11-INCH
YAMAHA YTR 8345S CUSTOM Bb TRUMPET SILVER PLATED
YAMAHA YSL 882O Bb/F CUSTOM XENO TENOR TROMBONE YELLOW BRASS BELL OPEN WRAP
YAMAHA TP70 1-ZONE PAD
ROLAND KSC70WH WHITE STAND FOR FP30
FENDER AMERICAN VINTAGE STRAT®-TELE® SADDLE HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT SCREWS (12)
MXR M77 CUSTOM BADASS OVERDRIVE
ROLAND HP704 DIGITAL PIANO WHITE
ROLAND TD-07KV V-DRUM KIT
MXR 78 CUSTOM BADASS DISTORTION
M-AUDIO AIR192X4SPRO VOCAL PRODUCTION PACKAGE
CASIO AP-550 CELVIANO DIGITAL PIANO, BLACK
EVANS E-RING 10-12-14-14 FUSION PACK
YAMAHA STAGE CUSTOM BIRCH 2F5 CRANBERRY RED
KORG LP-380UWHITE DIGITAL PIANO WITH STAND
STAGG UC-30 CONCERT UKE MAHOGANY WITH BAG
YAMAHA YFL-577 PROFESSIONAL FLUTE
K&M 157 TRUMPET HOLDER
YAMAHA HW780 HARDWARE SET
PROTECTION RACKET 4015 TOM CASE
YAMAHA CL945B BP CLAMP
YAMAHA YTR 8310ZS03 CUSTOM Bb TRUMPET SILVER PLATED BOBBY SHEW
DADDARIO EPN115 PURE NICKEL
YAMAHA TP70S 3-ZONE PAD
MEINL TMCCH PROFESSIONAL CONGA STAND
FENDER STRING NUT BLANKS
YAMAHA RECORDING CUSTOM SNARE 5.5x14 