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 1820 BASS DRUM CASE
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HOHNER CORONA II-GCF RED
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PROTECTION RACKET 10x9 TOM CASE
KLOTZ USB CABLE A-PLUG/MINI-B-PLUG 3M
FENDER PURE VINTAGE TELECASTER® STRING GUIDE NICKEL
EVANS 10 GENERA G2 CLEAR TOM HEAD
FENDER CD-60SCE DREADNOUGHT 12-STRING ACOUSTIC GUITAR
MEINL CAJON BLANKET
HOHNER BLUES HARP C-MAJOR
YAMAHA STAGE CUSTOM BIRCH SBP0F5 HONEY AMBER
MEINL CONGA BAG 11 3/4 BLACK
YAMAHA ABD 1520 BASS
YAMAHA PACIFICA 012BLII ELECTRIC GUITAR BLACK
YAMAHA TRBX504 BROWN
PAISTE 14 PST 5 N MEDIUM CRASH
HOHNER MARINE BAND 1896 BB-NATURAL MINOR
BLACKSTAR ID CORE 40 V4 COMBO
STAGG MIDI CABLE 5M
SHURE AONIC 215 TRUE WIRELESS G2 EARPHONES CLEAR
PROTECTION RACKET 6016 TOM CASE
YAMAHA TOUR CUSTOM SNARE CHOCOLATE SATIN 14X6,5
BOSS KATANA MINI
STAGG UC-30 CONCERT UKE MAHOGANY WITH BAG
ROLAND TD-17KV V-DRUM KIT
EVANS EQPB1 BLACK NYLON BASS PATCH
YAMAHA STAGE CUSTOM 12X08 TOM BLACK 