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.

K&M 17738 OBOE CONE
AKG K72
PEARL P3002D DEMON DRIVE
VIC FIRTH T5 WOODEN TIMPANI MALLETS
VIC FIRTH 5A AMERICAN CLASSIC WOOD TIP
K&M 14340 ALTO SAX STAND SAXXY BLACK
YAMAHA YFL-482 FLUTE
AKG PERCEPTION WIRELESS PRESENTER SET CK99L BAND ISM
VIC FIRTH 2BN AMERICAN CLASSIC NYLON TIP
ANGEL LOPEZ ALICANTE SERIES 3/4-SIZE CLASSICAL GUITAR WITH SPRUCE TOP
VIC FIRTH 3AN AMERICAN CLASSIC NYLON TIP
KLOTZ M1 MIC CABLE 7.5M XLR-XLR
YAMAHA TP70 1-ZONE PAD
VIC FIRTH ROBERT VAN SICE KEYBOARD SCMH
KLOTZ M2 MIC CABLE 10M XLR-XLR
PROMARK C-RODS COOL RODS
YAMAHA MKA04 KEIKO ABE MALLET HARD, DUAL-CORE WITH RUBBER TUBE (1MM), 425MM
ERNIE BALL EARTHWOOD SILK&STEEL 13-56
VIC FIRTH BRULLET CAJON BRUSHES
TAKAMINE GC1 NAT
PURESOUND S1430 SUPER 30 WIRES
STUDIO49 CS 44 XYLOPHONE MALLETS
YAMAHA YFL 222 FLUTE
K&M 15281 PEG ADAPTER BLACK
STAGG FPSM FINGERPICKSET MEDIUM
M-AUDIO MICRO DAC 24/192
K&M 14330 ALTO SAX STAND JAZZ BLACK
STAGG HGB2-RE GUITAR SOFT CASE
EVANS 16 GENERA G1 COATED TOM HEAD
STAGG PRACTICE PAD STAND
VIC FIRTH M7 MALLETS
STAGG ELECTRIC GUITAR HEAD NUT PRE-CUT BONE
DW 9000 XF SINGLE PEDAL DWCP9000XF
YAMAHA FP9500D
STAGG PHB-100 PICK HOLDER VARIOUS COLOURS
VIC FIRTH M10 KEYBOARD MALLET VERY HARD
ERNIE BALL EARTHWOOD LIGHT 11-52
DW 5002AH4 DOUBLE PEDAL ACCELERATOR DWCP5002AH4
STAGG ABS-RB2 SQUARE BASS CASE
ERNIE BALL VP JUNIOR POT 250K MONO
VIC FIRTH M4 MALLETS
GÖLDO SNFB42 BASS NUT
YAMAHA GC12C GRAND CONCERT CLASSICAL GUITAR NATURAL CEDAR SOLID WOOD
TAYLOR 614CE V-CLASS
STAGG 8-INCH DESKTOP PRACTICE PAD, TEN-SIDED SHAPE
YAMAHA RAS1455 RECORDING CUSTOM ALUMINIUM SNARE DRUM 