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.

EVANS 13 GENERA DRY
YAMAHA DTX10K-X BF ELECTRONIC DRUM KIT TEXTURED CELLULAR SILICONE PADS BLACK FOREST
MEINL PERCUSSION 2 1/2" SAMBA BEATER WOOD FELT BEATER
YAMAHA ARIUS YDP-165 DIGITAL PIANO WHITE
EVANS 22 EQ4 BATTER CLEAR
PROTECTION RACKET 2014 FLOOR TOM CASE
MXR M104 DISTORTION +
YAMAHA FX 370CBL
MEINL 18BYZANCE THIN CRASH
EVANS 22 RETRO SCREEN BLACK
VIC FIRTH F1 WOOD TIP
CASIO AP-550 CELVIANO DIGITAL PIANO, BLACK
EVANS 20 EQ3 BATTER CLEAR BASSDRUM HEAD
EVANS 22 EMAD RESONANT BLACK
YAMAHA ABSOLUTE MAPLE HYBRID FUSION SHELL SET
YAMAHA SA2200 VS
YAMAHA SS662
FENDER FE920 GIGBAG FOR ELECTRIC GUITAR WINTER CAMO
VIC FIRTH AJ3 AMERICAN JAZZ
VIC FIRTH AS5B AMERICAN SOUND
MEINL SONIC ENERGY THERAPIE SERIES SINGING BOWL SET 1000/1400/2200
GATOR GMIX-2225-8-TSA
ELIXIR BASS 5TH STRING .130
LARSEN VIOLIN STRINGS WITH E BALL END MEDIUM
KLOTZ ASEX10300 EXTENSION CABLE 3m.
YAMAHA YTR 8345 CUSTOM Bb TRUMPET
MEINL UNIVERSAL SERIES 5-PIECE YOGA NIDRA SINGING BOWL SET
VOX AC15 C2 TWIN COMBO
DADDARIO PRELUDE J810 1/4M VIOLIN SET MEDIUM
PAISTE 18 PST 5 N MEDIUM CRASH
THOMASTIK-INFELD VIOLIN STRINGS 135 DOMINANT 1/2 MEDIUM
MEINL MCPTS PERCUSSION TABLE
ZOOM F8NPRO MULTITRACK FIELD RECORDER
EVANS 10 J1 ETCHED
ORANGE PPC212OB OPEN BACK
PHIL JONES BG-75 DOUBLE FOUR BASS COMBO 70 WATT RED
YAMAHA B3E TC3 TRANSACOUSTIC PIANO POLISHED EBONY
YAMAHA ARIUS YDP-145 DIGITAL PIANO WHITE
PROTECTION RACKET 1618 BASS DRUM CASE
FENDER RUMBLE 40 STUDIO BASS COMBO
EVANS 12 J1 ETCHED
DADDARIO ECG26 CHROMES
MEINL WHITE-FROSTED CRYSTAL SINGING BOWLS 16-INCH, HEART CHAKRA
EVANS EC2S FROSTED 14 IN.
YAMAHA CG 162C CLASSICAL GUITAR NATURAL CEDAR SOLID WOOD
MEINL NINOADJ4S WOOD DJEMBE
PROTECTION RACKET 5028 HARDWARE BAG
PEARL PPBKPHD38W 38 HARDWARE BAG WITH WHEELS
ERNIE BALL COATED SLINKY ELECTRIC 12-56
YAMAHA SBS1455NW STAGE CUSTOM BIRCH SNARE NATURAL WOOD 