When we set about designing the Absolute Hybrid Maple, we wanted to focus on the most important aspect of a musical instrument - its sound. We then considered other characteristics of a great drum set and determined that playability, aesthetics and its ability to withstand the rigorous demands of any drummer were paramount. Over the course of three years, we built prototypes that were put to the test, enlisting help from artists in virtually every genre, which encompassed some of the most critical ears in the industry. The Absolute Hybrid Maple was built from the sound up for expressive, innovative play and timeless quality that will last for generations.
 
Easily one of the most expressive drum kits on the market, the Yamaha Absolute Hybird Maple redefines creativity. Yamaha uses 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.
 
The bearing edge angle on the bass drum is different from the angle used on the tom and snare shells. This dramatically improves tonal balance in the drum set. A 45º/R1.5 edge is used on the snare and toms for a clean tone; while a 30º/ R1.5 edge on the bass drum shell brings out more low-end tone for a deeper, richer, more powerful sound.

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 colors in midrange to low-frequency sounds, as well as the control of sustain.

Hook lugs offer quick and easy head replacement, precise tuning, and can readily handle high-tension, while lug bases are designed with a small footprint to maximize tone output from the hybrid shell. Aluminum die-cast hoops deliver a strong tight sound with an extraordinary attack and decay.

An evolutionary step up from the YESS IIm 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. 

Shell interiors are coated with Yamaha's exclusive "Vintage Natural" finish. These drums look spectacular! 
 
Shell Configuration
Bass Drum - 22x16
Floor Tom - 16x15
Tom - 12x8
Tom – 10x7
 
Snare, cymbals and hardware sold separately.
 
Hybrid Maple Shell - The Absolute Hybrid series inherited the hybrid shell technology found on our flagship PHX series. Absolute Hybrid shells consist of a core ply of wenge, a very hard and heavy wood native to Africa, wedged between plies of maple, known for its clear tone. This hybrid design delivers a rich, clear tone across a full dynamic range, from pianissimo to fortissimo.
Optimized Bearing Edge - The bearing edge angle on the bass drum differs from the angle on tom and snare shells. A 45-degree /R1.5 edge is used on the snare and toms to achieve a balanced tone, while the 30-degree/R1.5 edge on the bass drum creates a low-end tone, for a deeper, more powerful sound.
YESS III Tom Mounting System - An evolutionary step up from our Y.E.S.S. II, the Y.E.S.S. III further reduces acoustic dampening, which allows the shell to vibrate more freely bringing out more of its natural sustain and volume.
Low Mass Tom Holder Base - The tom holder's small, lightweight footprint allows the bass drum shell to vibrate more freely.
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 colors in midrange to low-frequency sounds, as well as the control of sustain.
Hook Lugs - Hook lugs offer quick and easy head replacement, precision tuning and can readily withstand high-tension tuning. Lug bases are designed with a small footprint to maximize tone output from the hybrid shell.
3mm Die-Cast Hoops - Aluminum die-cast hoops deliver a strong, tight sound with an extraordinary attack and decay.
Vintage Finish Interior - Shell interiors are coated with our exclusive "Vintage Natural" finish for enhanced tone and refined looks.