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.

HOHNER MORGANE G/C
HOHNER BRAVO III 80 BLACK SILENT KEY
YAMAHA YSL 891Z Bb CUSTOM WYCLIFFE GORDON TENOR TROMBONE YELLOW BRASS BELL
ROLAND PM03 PERSONAL DRUM MONITOR
PROTECTION RACKET 1420 BASS DRUM CASE
HOHNER MARINE BAND 1896 A-MAJOR
DADDARIO J4405
VOX AC15C1 TUBE GUITAR COMBO
ERNIE BALL 7-STRING SUPER SLINKY 09-52
EVANS 16 ONYX 2-PLY COATED
VIC FIRTH 5A AMERICAN CLASSIC WOOD TIP
PROTECTION RACKET 5038W HARDWARE BAG
DW 9000 XF SINGLE PEDAL DWCP9000XF
EVANS 14 HAZY 200 SNARE SIDE
ORANGE AD30HTC HEAD
YAMAHA DXS 12 ACTIVE SUB
VIC FIRTH CMN CLASSIC METAL NYLON TIP
EVANS EC2 COATED 10 INCH
D'ADDARIO PW-BLPBT-01 BACKLINE PEDALBOARD TRANSPORTER
EVANS 22 EQ3 RESONANT COATED WHITE
HARDCASE 20"BASSDRUM CASE
YAMAHA VALVE CASING CLEANING ROD
K&M 24180 WALL MOUNT WHITE
DADDARIO EPN120 PURE NICKEL
KLOTZ AUAJJ0030 UNBALANCED PATCH CABLE (2pcs.)
YAMAHA CLAVINOVA CLP-825 DIGITAL PIANO ROSEWOOD
YAMAHA ARIUS YDP-145 DIGITAL PIANO WHITE
REMO 14DIPLOMAT COATED
KLOTZ PATCHCORD 0,6M 2pcs.
GRETSCH G9100-L LONG NECK SOPRANO UKULELE
ZOOM SGH-6 SHOTGUN MIC CAPSULE
MEINL WSS1BK CAJON WOOD SIDE SNARE
EVANS 20 EMAD BATTER CLEAR KICK HEAD
HAGSTROM VIKING BLACK ELECTRIC GUITAR
YAMAHA GB1K PAW POLISHED AMERICAN WALNUT GRAND PIANO 151CM
MEINL PERCUSSION 2 1/2" SAMBA BEATER WOOD FELT BEATER
MEINL TAH1A-AB HEADED TAMBOURINE
YAMAHA AMT-1208 12 X 8 TOM TOM 