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.

YAMAHA STAGE CUSTOM BIRCH 0F5NW
KEELEY LOOMER FUZZ REVERB
STAGG BONGO STAND
EVANS AF BASS PATCH (2 PCS)
DIGITECH DOD GONKULATOR RING MODULATOR
YAMAHA HW680 HARDWARE SET
DUNLOP 6503 BODY AND FINGERBOARD CARE KIT
CASIO PRIVIA PX-870 DIGITAL PIANO BLACK
PEARL P2050C ELIMINATOR PEDAL
BOSS BCB-30X PEDALBOARD
BOSS ML2 METAL CORE
PEARL DB-100 DOUBLE BEATER
GIBRALTAR SC-1408BS LUG HOOP
MEINL MCBD COWBELL HOLDER
STAGG NMC6R XLR DELUXE
YAMAHA CSAT924 MULTI CLAMP
FENDER TRE-VERB DIGITAL REVERB/TREMOLO
YAMAHA ABSOLUTE MAPLE HYBRID JAZZ SHELL SET
TAMA RB8P PLASTIC BOTTOM (2PCS)
PAISTE 18 PST 5 N MEDIUM CRASH
MEINL MCPTS PERCUSSION TABLE
GIBRALTAR HINGED MEMORY LOCK-D
GIBRALTAR GCS-L CONGA STAND
PURESOUND 13 SUPER 30 SRS SNR
TAMA IRON COBRA HP600 DARK SHADOW LIMITED EDITION SINGLE BASS DRUM PEDAL
STAGG K10-148 STANDARD BLACK NYLON BAG FOR KEYBOARD
MEINL MCCH CHIMES HOLDER
ROLAND BLUES CUBE HOT VB AMP
YAMAHA ARIUS YDP-S35 DIGITAL PIANO BLACK
ROLAND KSC-70BK BLACK STAND FOR FP30
STAGG DRUM FOOT PEDAL SPRING
AKG K712 PRO
PEARL PC100P CONGA STAND PRIMERO 10-INCH
MEINL STDJSTBK DJEMBE STAND
YAMAHA RYDEEN STUDIO BURGUNDY GLITTER WITH CYMBALS
MEINL TMCCH PROFESSIONAL CONGA STAND
GIBRALTAR SC-BS4 BASS DRUM SPURS
DADDARIO ACCESSORIES MICROFIBER CLOTH PWMPC
YAMAHA YDP-S56 ARIUS DIGITAL PIANO WHITE
YAMAHA STAGE CUSTOM BIRCH 2F5 CRANBERRY RED
GIBRALTAR SC-19B CYMBAL SLEEVE
YAMAHA HW680W HARDWARE SET
GIBRALTAR SC-GLO LUBE PEDAL LUBRICANT
CLAVIA NORD LEAD A1
ROLAND HP704 DIGITAL PIANO WHITE
DUNLOP 5430 GUITAR FINISH CLOTH
GIBRALTAR SC-GCHML MEMORY CLAMP WING SCREWS
PAISTE 14 PST 3 CRASH
SENNHEISER HD25
REMO FALAM PATCH DOUBLE SLAM
YAMAHA CWH 940
GIBRALTAR 6 IN. WHITE PORT HOLE RINGS
MEINL 18BYZANCE THIN CRASH
STAGG PSB-SET4 HARDWARE BAG
GIBRALTAR SC-4420S SUPER HI-HAT CLUTCH
GIBRALTAR SC-4J TENSION RODS
GIBRALTAR 6 IN. BLACK PORT HOLE RINGS
YAMAHA SBS1455CLW STAGE CUSTOM BIRCH SNARE CLASSIC WHITE 