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 MARINE BAND 1896 B-HARMONIC MINOR
HOHNER SUPER 64 PERFORMANCE REED PLATES 1.2MM
RUKA 37506 TRUMPET LYRE NICKEL PLATED
HOHNER BLUES HARP G-MAJOR
HOHNER HARMONICA BELT FOR DIATONIC HARMONICAS
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HOHNER SPECIAL-20 CLASSIC A-MAJOR
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YAMAHA TRBX 174EW TBL
MEINL RE12 REPINIQUE
YAMAHA KICK UNIT KU100 PEDAL
YAMAHA TP70S 3-ZONE PAD
YAMAHA TRBX304 BLACK
FENDER TRE-VERB DIGITAL REVERB/TREMOLO
MEINL TBR06ABSR TAMBORIM RED
ROLAND PM03 PERSONAL DRUM MONITOR
MXR 78 CUSTOM BADASS DISTORTION
HOHNER BRAVO II 48 DARK BLUE SILENT KEY
HOHNER BRAVO III 72 BLACK SILENT KEY
ERNIE BALL HYBRID SLINKY BASS 45-105
YAMAHA TRBX174 BLACK
IBANEZ GSR180-BS
HOHNER XS ACCORDION
DADDARIO EXL110
ERNIE BALL SUPER SLINKY BASS 45-100
YAMAHA TRBX305 WHITE
ERNIE BALL EARTHWOOD ACOUSTIC BASS SET
ERNIE BALL EXTRA SLINKY BASS 40-95
HOHNER SUPER 64X PERFORMANCE REED PLATE 2.1MM
HOHNER BRAVO III 96 WHITE SILENT KEY
MOOER GREEN MILE OVERDRIVE
YAMAHA F370 TBS
CASIO AP-300 CELVIANO SERIES DIGITAL PIANO, WHITE
HOHNER MARINE BAND CROSSOVER E-MAJOR
YAMAHA TRBX504 BLACK
HOHNER BRAVO II 60 BLACK SILENT KEY
HOHNER BRAVO II 60 RED SILENT KEY
ERNIE BALL 2215 SKINNY TOP/HEAVY BOTTOM 10-52
MEINL 12X4,5 CAIXA
TAYLOR BABY TAYLOR MAHOGANY BT2
YAMAHA ARIUS YDP-145 DIGITAL PIANO BLACK
GÖLDO GUITAR NUT CUBE MINITOOL
YAMAHA TRBX504 BROWN
YAMAHA F370
STAGG ATC3 CLAMP
DADDARIO ACCESSORIES PREMIUM INSTRUMENT CARE KIT
YAMAHA BB 234 VINTAGE WHITE
YAMAHA TRBX174 EXOTIC WOOD RTB
TAKAMINE GD10-NS
HOHNER BRAVO III 80 BLACK SILENT KEY
HOHNER CORONA II-GCF RED
IBANEZ GSR200SM NGT ELECTRIC BASS NATURAL GRAY BURST
RUKA 37511 TUBA LYRE NICKEL PLATED
TAKAMINE GY93 NAT
MEINL SU18L SURDO WITH LEGS
VIC FIRTH 2BN AMERICAN CLASSIC NYLON TIP
YAMAHA BB 234 BLACK
YAMAHA TRBX505 WHITE
HOHNER BRAVO II 48 BLACK SILENT KEY
YAMAHA SBT-1309 TOM 13X9 