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.

MEINL BLACK DRUM RUG 160 x 200 CM
PROTECTION RACKET ACOUSTIC GUITAR CASE
SAVAREZ 540R ALLIANCE HT CLASSIC NORMAL TENSION
MOOER CAB X2 STEREO CABINET SIMULATOR
ERNIE BALL 2215 SKINNY TOP/HEAVY BOTTOM 10-52
HOHNER BLUES HARP G-MAJOR
VOX AC15C1 TUBE GUITAR COMBO
EVANS 10 GENERA G2 CLEAR TOM HEAD
HOHNER SPECIAL-20 CLASSIC D-MAJOR
PROTECTION RACKET 1822 BASS DRUM CASE
YAMAHA CL4C CLARINET MOUTHPIECE
DADDARIO HELICORE H410 LM VIOLA STRING SET, LONG SCALE, MEDIUM TENSION
STAGG HGB2-RE GUITAR SOFT CASE
MEINL 10" EXTRA DRY SPLASH CYMBAL
PROTECTION RACKET 14X5,5 PADDED SN BAG
ERNIE BALL HYBRID SLINKY 09-46
KORG LP 180 WHITE DIGITAL PIANO WITH STAND
EVANS EC2S FROSTED 18 IN.
MEINL MCPTS PERCUSSION TABLE
REMO 14PINSTRIPE COATED
ERNIE BALL .042 WOUND SINGLE STRING
ROLAND TD-07DMK V-DRUM SET
ROLAND KD7 KICK TRIGGER
DADDARIO ACCESSORIES 50JS03 JOE SATRIANI STRAP SOULS OF DISTORTION
YAMAHA DTX10K-X RW ELECTRONIC DRUM KIT TEXTURED CELLULAR SILICONE PADS REAL WOOD
PAISTE 14 PST 3 CRASH
MEINL NINO563 WOOD SHAKER
REMO 20EMPEROR CLEAR
PROTECTION RACKET 2013R-00 FLOOR TOM CASE
MEINL SONIC ENERGY KALIMBA 8-NOTES SOLID MAPLE
EVANS 12 J1 ETCHED
MEINL NINO17B-BK ABS BONGOS
VIC FIRTH AMERICAN CLASSIC 8D WOOD TIP
VIC FIRTH 2B AMERICAN CLASSIC WOOD TIP
EVANS 20 EQ4 BATTER CLEAR
ALESIS NITRO MAX KIT ELECTRONIC DRUMKIT WITH ULTRA-QUIET MESH HEADS
ERNIE BALL 6 STRING BARITONE 13-72
KLOTZ M1 MIC CABLE 3M FEMALE XLR-JACK
TAMA HH 805D HIHAT STAND VELO GLIDE
MEINL ARTIST SERIES 60 BARS LUIS CONTE CHIME
PROTECTION RACKET 3011CS SNARE CASE
YAMAHA TRUMPET/CORNET VALVE PROTECTOR LEATHER
LINE6 DL4MKII DELAY MODELER
YAMAHA YTR 4435SII C TRUMPET SILVER PLATED
K&M 14340 ALTO SAX STAND SAXXY BLACK
ERNIE BALL EARTHWOOD MEDIUM LIGHT 12-54
FENDER 68 CUSTOM VIBRO CHAMP REVERB
GEWA 523130 RECTANGULAR ELECTRIC GUITAR CASE ECONOMY
YAMAHA TOUR CUSTOM SNARE CHOCOLATE SATIN 14X6,5 