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.

DADDARIO ACCESSORIES PREMIUM INSTRUMENT CARE KIT
HOHNER BRAVO II 48 RED SILENT KEY
VIC FIRTH 1A AMERICAN CLASSIC WOOD TIP
YAMAHA RYDEEN STUDIO (WITHOUT CYMBALS), BURGUNDY GLITTER
YAMAHA DTX 432K ELECTRONIC DRUM KIT
DW 9300 SNARE STAND DWCP9300
MEINL 16BYZANCE MEDIUM THIN CRASH
CASIO AP-550 CELVIANO DIGITAL PIANO, BLACK
YAMAHA AMT0807 ABSOLUTE HYBRID TOM 8X7
YAMAHA ABD 1520 BASS
STAGG 13”x10” MARCHING SNARE DRUM
STAGG 20”x10” MARCHING DRUM WHITE
VIC FIRTH AJ3 AMERICAN JAZZ
PEARL RS505C/C ROADSHOW DRUMSET WINE RED
HOHNER MORGANE G/C
PEARL S830 SNARE DRUM STAND
YAMAHA DTX8K-X BF ELECTRONIC DRUM KIT TEXTURED CELLULAR SILICONE PADS BLACK FOREST
YAMAHA STAGE CUSTOM BIRCH 2F5 CLASSIC WHITE
VIC FIRTH RUTE404 BRUSHES
PAISTE 16 PST 5 N ROCK CRASH
ROLAND JC-40 JAZZ CHORUS
GEWA CONTACT MICROPHONE CM-1
PROTECTION RACKET 1424 BASS DRUM CASE
STAGG NMC10XPR XLR/PLUG CABLE 10M
YAMAHA LG800 STAND FOR CP1 CP5 MOTIFXF8
K&M 18933 KEYBOARD STAND BLACK
PROTECTION RACKET 2015 FLOOR TOM CASE
KORG LP 180 BLACK DIGITAL PIANO WITH STAND
FENDER MARINE LAYER REVERB PEDAL
HARDCASE FREE FLOAT SNARE KIT CASE
ROLAND PM03 PERSONAL DRUM MONITOR
ROLAND KS-13 KEYBOARD STAND
MEINL 18BYZANCE THIN CRASH
PEARL RS525SC/C ROADSHOW DRUMSET JET BLACK
TAYLOR BABY TAYLOR BT1
YAMAHA SBT-1208 STAGE CUSTOM 12X08 TOM RAVEN BLACK
MEINL MB20 16MEDIUM HEAVY CRASH
YAMAHA TRBX505 TRANSLUCENT BROWN
YAMAHA SBF-1413 STAGE CUSTOM 14X13 FLOOR TOM 