YAMAHA ABSOLUTE SERIES FACES THE FUTURE

—Advanced Features, Multiple Color Options Upgrade Popular Acoustic Kits—

BUENA PARK, CA (March 28, 2003)—The Yamaha Absolute Series has been the acoustic drum kit choice of professional musicians, serious hobbyists and top-name artists for years. Now, Yamaha Drums ensures the future of the popular line with the debut of multiple feature upgrades and numerous finish options, while maintaining competitive price points.

Bigger and Better: Yamaha Absolute Series

New five-piece Maple Custom, Birch Custom and Beech Custom Absolute kits provide the opportunity to mix and match different wood types, allowing drummers to customize both the appearance and tonal characteristics of their kits. Rack and floor toms are now available in "Universal" dimensions (between traditional jazz and power sizes), resulting in improved sound projection.

All snare drums and toms feature light weight—yet rigid—aluminum die-cast hoops that provide very focused sound, longer sustain and more consistent tuning. Bass drums now feature a new spur with a larger diameter leg and die-cast claw hooks with tension rod inserts that make changing heads easier.

A selection of 19 custom colors and eleven "core" colors are now available, giving drummers more finish options than ever before. Core colors include: Cherry Wood, Sea Blue, Solid Black, Silver Sparkle, Black Sparkle, White Marine Pearl, Vintage Natural, Honey Yellow, White Mica, Red Pearl Natural and Vintage Black.

"The Yamaha Absolute Series is the foundation of our professional acoustic drums," states Dave Jewell, marketing manager, Yamaha Drums. "These upgrades and additional finishes will continue to make the Yamaha Absolutes the most sought-after professional drums in the market."

For more information on the upgraded Absolute Series drum kits, write Yamaha Corporation of America, Pro Audio & Combo Division, Drum Products, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622; telephone (714) 522-9011; e-mail infostation@yamaha.com; or visit www.yamaha.com.