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.

ERNIE BALL 7-STRING POWER SLINKY 11-58
YAMAHA ABSOLUTE MAPLE HYBRID ROCK SHELL SET
ERNIE BALL HYBRID SLINKY BASS 45-105
KLOTZ PATCHCORD 0,6M 2pcs.
PEARL TH1030S TOM HOLDER GYRO-LOCK TILTER 5"x4" 7/8" DIA POST
ROLAND EC10M HYBRID CLIP MIC PROCESSOR FOR EC-10 CAJON
YAMAHA AS3C ALTO SAX MOUTHPIECE
PROTECTION RACKET 1723 BASS DRUM CASE
TAYLOR 312CE-N NYLON STRING ELECTRO ACOUSTIC NATURAL
KLOTZ ATCC0100 RCA TWIN CABLE 1m.
VIC FIRTH 2BN AMERICAN CLASSIC NYLON TIP
ERNIE BALL EXTRA SLINKY 08-38
PAISTE 14 PST 3 CRASH
REMO 26 EMPEROR SMOOTH WHITE
ERNIE BALL REGULAR SLINKY BASS 50-105
MEINL FD12BE BENDIR FRAMEDRUM
YAMAHA S6X POLISHED EBONY PREMIUM GRAND PIANO 212CM
ROLAND TD-17KVX V-DRUM KIT
EVANS 22 EQ4 BATTER CLEAR
MEINL SNARECRAFT CAJON 80 BALTIC
PROTECTION RACKET 3010RS SNARE CASE
YAMAHA B1 PW UPRIGHT PIANO POLISHED WALNUT 109CM
GIBRALTAR 9707XB BRAKE XHAT
YAMAHA SILVER POLISH CLOTH MEDIUM
EVANS 22 EQ3 BATTER COATED
HARDCASE HN36W HARDWARE CASE
KLOTZ AUAJJ0030 UNBALANCED PATCH CABLE (2pcs.)
PROTECTION RACKET 3012CS SNARE CASE
MEINL SBR SAMBA BELT RED
YAMAHA YTR 8335RGS CUSTOM Bb TRUMPET GOLD BRASS BELL SILVER PLATED
EVANS 22 EMAD2 BATTER CLEAR
ERNIE BALL .016 RPS PLAIN SINGLE STRING
GIBRALTAR 7615 PERCUSSION TABLE
MEINL TMT1BBK HAND HELD ABS TAMBOURINE, DUAL ROW BLACK SOLID BRASS JINGLES
PROTECTION RACKET 3009 SNARE CASE
PROTECTION RACKET 5038W HARDWARE BAG
MEINL NINO570 TONE-BLOCK
EVANS 10 UNO58 1000 COATED TOM HEAD
YAMAHA FX 370CTBS
ERNIE BALL REGULAR SLINKY 10-46
MEINL JAM CAJON ALMOND BIRCH
HOHNER MARINE BAND 1896 C-HARMONIC MINOR
VIC FIRTH AJ4 AMERICAN JAZZ
EVANS TRI-CENTER BONGO HEADS SET
DADDARIO EJ41
SUPRO DELTA KING 12 TUBE COMBO AMP BLACK AND CREAM
VIC FIRTH AJ3 AMERICAN JAZZ
KLOTZ ATCC0600 RCA TWINCABLE 6m.
MEINL HE114 DARBUKA
PROTECTION RACKET 5030CZ HARDWARE BAG
DADDARIO EZ900 85/15 BRONZE
KLOTZ AY50600 Y-CABLE 6M
PHIL JONES BG-75 DOUBLE FOUR BASS COMBO 70 WATT RED
STAGG SPS-A1000BK SATELLITE ROD
YAMAHA AMT1310 TOM TOM 13X10 