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 1722 BASS DRUM CASE
MXR M116 FULLBORE METAL
KORG B2+ 88 KEY DIGITAL PIANO, WHITE
HARDCASE 24"BASSDRUM CASE
YAMAHA LG800 STAND FOR CP1 CP5 MOTIFXF8
ERNIE BALL SUPER SLINKY BASS 45-100
MXR M234 ANALOG CHORUS
MEINL 16BYZANCE THIN CRASH
YAMAHA DFP 9500D
HOHNER BRAVO III 96 BLACK SILENT KEY
GIBRALTAR DRUM THRONE 6608 MOTORCYCLE SEAT
DADDARIO EPS170-5SL PROSTEELS
YAMAHA ARIUS YDP-S36 DIGITAL PIANO WHITE
RUKA 37506 TRUMPET LYRE NICKEL PLATED
YAMAHA AMT0807 ABSOLUTE HYBRID TOM 8X7
YAMAHA STAGE CUSTOM BIRCH 2F5 CLASSIC WHITE
K&M 18962 KEYBOARD STAND BLACK
PAISTE 18 PST 5 N RIDE/CRASH
BEYERDYNAMIC DT-990 PRO 250OHM HEADPHONES
PEARL S-1030L SNARE DRUM STAND, W/GYRO-LOCK TILTER, ADJUSTABLE BASKET
MEINL BASS BEAT CAJON BRUSH
MEINL 18BYZANCE MED.THIN CRASH BRILLIANT
PURESOUND CPB 1420 CUSTOM PRO BRASS
RUKA 37505 TRUMPET LYRE BRASS FINISH
YAMAHA ATT 1510 TOM 