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.

DUNLOP ULTRAGLIDE 65
FENDER CLASSIC SHELL 12PK HEAVY
EVANS 13 ONYX 2-PLY COATED
STAGG PP52 BASS PEDAL
REMO 14POWERSTROKE 3 COATED
AKG PERCEPTION 820 TUBE
EVANS 10 J1 ETCHED
YAMAHA HW 880 HARDWARE SET
EVANS 10 UNO58 1000 COATED TOM HEAD
EVANS 10 GENERA G2 CLEAR TOM HEAD
SUPRO DELTA KING 10 TWEED/BLACK ELECTRIC GUITAR COMBO AMP
K&M 3/8 THREAD BOLT
FENDER BLUES JUNIOR IV 30TH ANNIVERSARY GUITAR AMPLIFIER
EVANS 20 EQ3 RESONANT COATED WHITE
EVANS 12 ONYX 2-PLY COATED
EVANS 20 EQ3 BATTER CLEAR BASSDRUM HEAD
STAGG US30 SOPRANO UKULELE MAHOGANY WITH BAG
DADDARIO ACCESSORIES 50PLA05 PLANET LOCK
PROTECTION RACKET 9113 DJEMBE BAG
EVANS 14 ST DRY COATED
FENDER TEXAS SPECIAL TELE PICKUPS
YAMAHA HS850
EVANS 13 GENERA G2 COATED TOM HEAD
TAMA HP900PN IRON COBRA POWER GLIDE
YAMAHA DBR12 POWERED SPEAKER
VIC FIRTH F1 WOOD TIP
EVANS 16 ONYX 2-PLY COATED
EVANS 13 GENERA G1 COATED TOM HEAD
EVANS 20 EQ4 BATTER CLEAR
WITTNER METRONOME BLACK 845161
YAMAHA YFL-372GL FLUTE WITH GOLD LIP PLATE
ZOOM G1X FOUR GUITAR MULTI EFFECT PEDAL
REMO 14POWERSTROKE 4 COATED WITH DOT
EVANS 22 GENERA G1 COATED
ROLAND DP10 SUSTAIN PEDAL
EVANS EC2S FROSTED 8 IN.
K&M 19MM RUBBER F00T 25900,25910,27105
K&M 11581 MAGNETS
EVANS 16 GENERA G2 COATED TOM HEAD
REMO 26 EMPEROR SMOOTH WHITE
DW 3500A HIHAT STAND DWCP3500A
EVANS 22 EQ3 BATTER COATED
EVANS 22 EMAD2 BATTER CLEAR
EVANS EC2 COATED 10 INCH
MEINL FD18T FRAME DRUM
YAMAHA YFL-472 FLUTE
ELECTRO HARMONIX HOLY GRAIL NANO
DADDARIO ACCESSORIES 50PLB01 PLANET LOCK BLACK SATIN
YAMAHA CG 142S CLASSICAL GUITAR NATURAL SPRUCE SOLID WOOD
PROTECTION RACKET BOD16 BODHRAN CASE
EVANS 13 GENERA DRY
EVANS 24 EQ3 BATTER CLEAR KICK HEAD
EVANS 14 HAZY 200 SNARE SIDE
FENDER GUITARS & AMPS PICK POUCH BARSTOOL BLACK
YAMAHA ABD 1520 BASS
FRAMUS MACHINEHEADS RIGHT (TREBLE SIDE) CHROME
DW 9300 SNARE STAND DWCP9300
EVANS 10 GENERA G2 COATED TOM HEAD
TAMA HP200P SINGLE PEDAL
PEARL P2050C ELIMINATOR PEDAL
EVANS EC2 COATED 13 INCH
K&M 14335 TENOR SAX STAND JAZZ
EVANS 22 RETRO SCREEN BLACK
YAMAHA AMT-1007 10 X 7 TOM TOM 