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.

GIBRALTAR 6 IN. WHITE PORT HOLE RINGS
YAMAHA FP8500B
MEINL 17BYZANCE MED.THIN CRASH BRILLIANT
MEINL 18BYZANCE THIN CRASH
GIBRALTAR 7615 PERCUSSION TABLE
YAMAHA FP7210A KICK PEDAL
PEARL RS525SC/C ROADSHOW DRUMSET BRONZE
RUKA 37516 CLARINET LYRE NICKEL PLATED
KORG OT120 ORCHESTRAL TUNER
PROTECTION RACKET 2222 BASS DRUM CASE
MEINL CAJON PAD
GIBRALTAR 4 IN. WHITE PORT HOLE RINGS
YAMAHA DTX10K-X BF ELECTRONIC DRUM KIT TEXTURED CELLULAR SILICONE PADS BLACK FOREST
DW 9300 SNARE STAND DWCP9300
STAGG TIM122BBK DRUMKIT
GIBRALTAR GCS-L CONGA STAND
MEINL RIM CLAMP
MEINL THBSBK BONGO STAND BLACK
GIBRALTAR SC-1408BS LUG HOOP
PEARL P3002C DEMON CHAIN DRIVE
YAMAHA ARIUS YDP-166 DARK ROSEWOOD
YAMAHA ABSOLUTE MAPLE HYBRID FUSION SHELL SET
PAISTE 18 2002 WILD CRASH
TAMA HP900RN
YAMAHA YFH 8310Z FLÜGELHORN
AKG HSC271 HEADSET
PEARL RS525SC/C ROADSHOW DRUMSET JET BLACK
VIC FIRTH F1 WOOD TIP
ROCKBOARD DUO 2.2 PEDALBOARD WITH GIG BAG
PEARL RS585C/C ROADSHOW DRUMSET JET BLACK
YAMAHA ABSOLUTE MAPLE HYBRID ROCK SHELL SET
NINO BONGO STAND
CASIO SP-3H7 SINGLE KEYBOARD PEDAL
YAMAHA PIANO COVER SU118
PAISTE 16 PST 5 N ROCK CRASH
CASIO AP-550 CELVIANO DIGITAL PIANO, BLACK
VIC FIRTH AS5B AMERICAN SOUND
LP FUTURELIGHT II CONGA STAND
YAMAHA ARIUS YDP-166 BLACK DIGITAL PIANO
GIBRALTAR SC-4420S SUPER HI-HAT CLUTCH
MEINL MCBD COWBELL HOLDER
DADDARIO ACCESSORIES PWCT17GN ECLIPSE TUNER GREEN
YAMAHA AMF1413 FLOOR TOM 14X13 