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.

EVANS 18 EQ3 BATTER CLEAR BASSDRUM HEAD
REMO 26 EMPEROR SMOOTH WHITE
EVANS 12 J1 ETCHED
MEINL SONIC ENERGY SINGING BOWL 500G - UNIVERSAL SERIES
MEINL SONIC ENERGY FLOWER OF LIFE MEDITATION CHIME MEINL 432HZ BRONZE
PROTECTION RACKET 9110 DJEMBE BAG
YAMAHA GL1 GUITALELE PERSIMMON BROWN
K&M 14335 TENOR SAX STAND JAZZ
EVANS 18 GENERA G2 COATED TOM HEAD
EVANS 22 EQ3 BATTER COATED
PROTECTION RACKET CAJ1 CAJON BAG
MEINL MTB TIMBALE BAG
EVANS 26 EQ3 RESONANT BLACK
BLACKSTAR TV-10A 6L6 GUITAR AMP
STAGG US80-SE EL/AC SOPRANO UKULELE
YAMAHA GL1 GUITALELE NATURAL
EVANS 24 EQ3 RESONANT BLACK
EVANS 22 GENERA G2 CLEAR BASS DRUM HEAD
FENDER CYPRESS ACOUSTIC PICKUP SC NA
SEYMOUR DUNCAN SDP-500 - SD POTENTIOMETER 500K
STAGG UC-30 CONCERT UKE MAHOGANY WITH BAG
MEINL MSTBB1 BONGO BAG
PROTECTION RACKET 9017 PERCUSSION BAG
EVANS 10 GENERA G1 COATED TOM HEAD
PROTECTION RACKET SUR16 SURDO CASE
MEINL MDAB DARBUKA BAG
EVANS 12 GENERA G1 COATED TOM HEAD
IK MULTIMEDIA IRIG STREAM
EVANS 12 GENERA G2 COATED TOM HEAD
PROTECTION RACKET BOD18 BODHRAN CASE
YAMAHA BB 234 BLACK
EVANS EC1 COATED 10 INCH
STAGG WIS-A40 FLUTE AND CLARINET STAND
DUNLOP JH 1D JIMI HENDERIX WAH PEDAL
STAGG MUS-LED6 MUSIC STAND LIGHT
EVANS 16 ONYX 2-PLY COATED
K&M 17781 FLUTE PEG
EVANS 10 GENERA G2 CLEAR TOM HEAD
BLACKSTAR FLY 3 MINI GUITAR AMP BLACK 3W
EVANS EC2 COATED 10 INCH
REMO 14POWERSTROKE 3 COATED
EVANS EC1 COATED 12 INCH
EVANS 20 EQ3 RESONANT COATED WHITE
EVANS 10 ONYX 2-PLY COATED
MEINL MCHB CHIMES BAG
MXR 78 CUSTOM BADASS DISTORTION
K&M 14340 ALTO SAX STAND SAXXY BLACK
PEARL PPS37 L-ARM ROD
EVANS 20 EQ3 BATTER CLEAR BASSDRUM HEAD
EVANS 16 GENERA G2 COATED TOM HEAD
EVANS 10 J1 ETCHED
YAMAHA CG-192S CLASSICAL GUITAR NATURAL SPRUCE SOLID WOOD
YAMAHA STAGE CUSTOM BIRCH SNARE DRUM CRANBERRY RED 