The new birch sound is due to a number of factors such as the nodally mounted small lugs. The bass drum also has four extra sound holes around the front end which allow air to escape smoothly, reducing backlash vibrations returning from the front head. The result is that the Birch Absolute has opened out slightly with an even crisper attack.

The shells are 6-ply tom-toms and 7-ply bass drums. Like all our shells they are manufactured by the Air-Seal System process which ensures that every drum is perfectly round and of uniform thickness. Both Birch and Maple Custom Absolute drums have the same number of plies and are available at the same price in the same finishes. This means you can combine birch and maple drums in the same kit if you wish. The thin shells and small lugs also ensure the Absolute series is relatively light in weight, making it a joy to transport. Yet at the same time, because of the Air-Seal construction, the drums are immensely strong.

The shells are finished on the outside with extremely tough polyurethane. Our nine-step, seven day finishing process provides a deep, rich lustre, the culmination of over a century of acoustic instrument manufacturing. The Vintage Natural finish is a new hand-applied sealed coating which will mature beautifully with age.

All drums are fitted with Yamaha's Enhanced Sustain System (YESS) which provides minimum mount-to-shell contact to increase resonance and sustain. The 2.3mm chromed steel Dyna-Hoop rims provide pinpoint, stable tuning with cracking rim-shots. And the look is completed by the sleek, classically proportioned Custom Absolute chrome lug casings. Each lug is fixed to the drum shell by a single bolt, again allowing maximum shell vibration.

Update: The Absolute series has been upgraded with some great new features. Toms and snares are fitted with lightweight yet rigid aluminum die-cast hoops, providing very focused sound and longer sustain with more consistent tuning. Bass drums are upgraded with die-cast claw hooks with tension rod inserts that make changing heads easier, and a new spur with a larger diameter leg for extra stability. In addition to these upgrades, a new quick release lug is available as an option. This lug “Nouveau” allows for a quick change in drum heads and only contacts the shell with a single bolt at the nodal point. A selection of over 30 custom colors and 11 core colors are available, giving drummers more finish options than ever before.

If you want to learn more on offered colours please visit the American Web Site.