Pursuing Expressive Drums - Yamaha Corporation

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Pursuing Expressive DrumsWhat Defines “Expressive” Drums?The answer to that question, we feel, are drums that give you the sound you need, whenever you need it.Tonal requirements vary among drummers, differ with dynamics, and change, from band to band, song to song,moment to moment. With the Absolute Hybrid Series drums, Yamaha has succeeded in addressing this, with a drumset that possesses an extraordinary degree of expressive power, allowing drummers to pursue a level of expression thatperhaps they've not experience before in their other drums. These drums offer a wide dynamic range that allows themto respond accurately to each and every stroke, and follow changes in dynamics, nuance, and touch, letting you playwhat you want to play.2

The Absolute Formula to Expressive DrumsWe designed the new Absolute Series drums with two points in mind. First; to develop a shell that has as wide anexpressive 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 expectin relation to player input.To address this, we first developed a unique shell formula that responds accurately to differences in the way thedrum 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 ourgreat artists and professional recording engineers. They also underwent detailed acoustic analysis by a special teamof acoustic engineers. This advanced level of research and development, a trait we at Yamaha are proud of, led tothree significant features that are being introduced with the new Absolute Hybrid Series.Hybrid Maple ShellsThe new Absolute Hybrid Series incorporates our hybrid shell concept, which received critical acclaimfrom drummers around the globe on our flagship PHX Series. The product of extensive research anddevelopment, the Absolute’s hybrid design incorporates a center ply made from wenge, a very hard andheavy material creating a shell with greater tonal flexibility and rich in low-end and overtones. With this,the drums deliver a more musical tone that is rich and clear, regardless of how soft or hard you play them.Maple Shell20 Hz 44 Hz115 Hz 255 HzThe Next Evolutionary Step in TomMount Systems – The YESS IIIHybrid Maple Shell0 ms51 ms123 ms184 ms245 ms307 ms359 ms430 ms540 Hz 1440 Hz3620 Hz 8130 Hz20500 Hz 492 msShell Characteristics20 Hz 44 Hz115 Hz 255 Hz0 ms51 ms123 ms184 ms245 ms307 ms359 ms430 ms540 Hz 1440 Hz3620 Hz 8130 Hz20500 Hz 492 msFundamental: Natural decaywith long sustainHarmonics: Rich in harmonics;long, natural toneCompared to 100% maple shells, the hybrid maple shell delivers noticeably richer resonance.3Metal components, such as lugs and tom holders, have a great influence on drumresonance and tone.Specially developed for the new Absolute Hybrid Series, the Yamaha EnhancedSustain System (YESS III)” tom mount system improves upon the antidampening performance of its predecessor the YESS IIm mount, by furtherisolating the shell from the holder. Its design increases the mount’s ability to“suspend” the shell and block transfer of shell vibration to the hardware. Withthis, a shell with a wider dynamic is realized, allowing the drum to follow everynuance in your playing, from the lightest pianissimo to the heaviest fortissimo.

Minimum Contact Hook LugsOffer Fast Head Changes and Superior ToneFound on our PHX Series, hook lugs are designed with a very smallfootprint that minimizes lug-to-shell contact which allows the shell toresonate more freely, with less interference. Their structures allow thedrum to maintain precise head tension and contribute to the drum’ssuperior tone.Another great advantage is their design eliminates the need to completelyremove lug bolts when changing the head, making head replacements aquick and easy operation. They are also perfect for pros that demand awide range of tonal characters from their drums.4

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Pink Champagne S840x1x1x1x1x1x1x1x1x1x5x1x1Orange 0x1x1x1x1x1x1x1x1x1x2x1Gold Champagne 0x1x1x1x1x1x1x1x1x1x2x16

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Color VariationsSnare DrumAbsolute Hybrid Series drums are available in10 lacquered classic finishes.Vintage NaturalClassic WalnutRed AutumnSolid BlackPolar WhiteJade Green SparkleOrange SparkleGold Champagne SparklePink Champagne SparkleSilver SparkleModel No.AMS1460Size14"x6"ShellMaple-Wenge-Maple Hybrid Shell 6.2mm (Inner VN Paint)SnareHigh Carbon Steel, Short (25 Strands)Snare Bed2.7mmBearing Edge 45 R1.5LugHook LugHoop3.0mm Aluminum Die-Cast HoopHeadStrainerBatter: Remo Coated AmbassadorBottom: Remo Snare AmbassadorRelease/ Q Type Butt/ DC3 Type8

FeaturesBDR1.Sustain Level Analysis5-30YESS IIIYESS IIm-35Hybrid Maple ShellsAmplitude-40-45-50-5530 -60The new Absolute Hybrid Series inherits the hybrid shelltechnology found on our flagship PHX Series. On AbsoluteHybrid shells, the design consists of a core ply of wenge a veryhard and heavy wood native to Africa, sandwiched betweenplies of North American Maple, well known for its clear tone.This hybrid design delivers a drum tone that plays rich and clearacross the full dynamic range, from pianissimo to fortissimo.30 -65-7000.050.10.150.20.250.30.35FT/TT/SD0.4R1Time [sec].545 Swing level Analysis30 0.10.08YESS IIIYESS IImSwing level0.06Bearing Edge Shape0.040.020-0.02-0.04-0.06YESS III Tom MountAn evolutionary step up from our YESS IIm tom mount, theYESS III reduces acoustic dampening even further. Allowingthe shell to vibrate more freely, the YESS III mount bringsout more of the shell’s natural sustain and volume.9-0.08-0.100.511.5Time [sec]22.53YESS III mount realizes longer sustain level, because it holds shellmore flexibly, makes shell swing slower than YESS IIm and not preventnatural sustain.The bearing edge angle on thebass drum differs from the angleused on the tom and snare shellsto optimize tonal balance in thedrum set. A 45º/R1.5 edge isused on the snare and toms toa balanced tone; while a 30º/R1.5 edge on the bass drum shellbrings out more low-end tone fora deeper, more powerful sound.

Hook LugsVent HolesLow-Mass Tom Holder BaseHook lugs offer quick and easy head replacement,precision tuning, and can readily handle high-tensiontuning. Lug bases are designed with a small footprint tomaximize tone output from the hybrid shell.Controlling the amount of air moving in and out of theshell has a great influence on the drum’s tone and sustainlength, so the number of holes incorporated on theAbsolute Hybrid's various shells is determined by the sizeof the shell's diameter.The tom holder’s light weight and small footprint allowsthe bass drum shell to vibrate more freely.3.0mm AluminumDie-Cast HoopsInterior Vintage FinishQ-Type StrainerThe heavy-duty Q-type strainer is robust offering solidand stable operation, along with adjustment and snarereplacement.Aluminum die-cast hoops deliver a strong tight soundwith an extraordinary attack and decay.Shell interiors are coated with our exclusive VintageNatural finish for enhanced tone and refined looks.10

Size VariationsBass DrumSize(Diameter x Depth)Model aple Hybrid Shell6.2mm (Inner VN Paint)"Maple-Wenge-Maple Hybrid Shell 8.0mm (Inner VN Paint)ShellAir HoleFloor Tom18"x14"8106Hook LugHook LugHoopWood Hoop3.0mm Aluminum Die-Cast HoopHeadFront: Remo Smooth White P3Batter: Remo Clear P3 (20"-24") Remo Coated Ambassador (18")Batter: Remo Clear EmperorBottom: Remo Clear Ambassador30 R1.545 R1.5LugBearing EdgeBass Drum Claw HooksFT BracketBD LegSize(Diameter x Depth)Model No.ShellAir HoleLugHoopHeadBearing EdgeTT Mount8"x7"AMT080710"x7"AMT1007Die-Cast Claw (w/Insertion)——Open Type BracketConvertible Type—Tom Tom10"x8"12"x8"12"x9"13"x9"13"x10"AMT1008 AMT1208 AMT1209 AMT1309 AMT1310Maple-Wenge-Maple Hybrid Shell 6.2mm (Inner VN Paint)12Hook Lug3.0mm Aluminum Die-Cast HoopBatter: Remo Clear EmperorBottom: Remo Clear Ambassador45 R1.5YESS III14"x12"AMT141216"x14"AMT1614Tom Package4AMP6F3AMP4F3Floor TomTom TomTom HolderAMF1615 AMT1007 AMT1208TH945BAMF1413 AMT1007 AMT1208TH945B*Some models may not be available in some countries.*Colors and wood grains in this catalog may not be represented exactly as the original colors due to printing processes involved.*Specifications are subject to change without notice.http://www.yamaha.com/absolute hm/P.O.BOX1, Hamamatsu JapanThis document is printed with Vegetable Oil Ink.LDR1404MW Printed in Japan

Compared to 100% maple shells, the hybrid maple shell delivers noticeably richer resonance. Maple Shell Hybrid Maple Shell Harmonics: Rich in harmonics; long, natural tone Fundamental: Natural decay with long sustain Hybrid Maple Shells The new Absolute Hybrid Series incorporates