Yamaha PHX vs Absolute Hybrid Maple Drums Comparison

[@MatthiasKnorrMusic]

👉🏻 I just noticed only 13% of my viewers are subscribed to the Channel. So please consider hitting that SUBSCRIBE 🛎📩button. It helps to grow the channel for better future content. Thanks so much for Your Support! 🙏🏻

[@CampSwampy18]

You've set a new standard for how drum videos can be presented online. It's obvious a lot of thought and attention to detail was put into this. No rambling dialougue, not a chop-fest, no washy cymbals. Thank you for your hard work!

[@MatthiasKnorrMusic]

Thanks you very much for checking it out

[@bogartsandoval]

I can’t get why would even the most jealous would dislike this video. Such a great comparison. Thanks for the vid.

[@MatthiasKnorrMusic]

thanks for watching👍🏻

[@A320Driver]

Mr. Knorr has spent a lot of time studying Mr. Weckl. Great video!

[@MatthiasKnorrMusic]

thanks for checking it out 🙏🏻

[@rglickdrums]

Great comparison video man. Both drum sets are awsome and I love the weckl set up

[@MatthiasKnorrMusic]

Thank You 🙏🏻

[@1245102]

Both kits sound phenomenal however I must express, you can sit at a kit made of pots and pans and still make it sound fulfilling to the ears. I love your playing approach. Very dynamic, and musical in the sense that as much as the kit is a rhythmic instrument, you incorporate the melodic side as well. You play beautifully. Much respect and admiration to you.

[@MatthiasKnorrMusic]

thanks so much for your kind words. I really appreciate 😊

[@JulianFernandez]

Thanks for taking the time!

[@MatthiasKnorrMusic]

you're welcome! It was a great discovery for me also.

[@beatboxerz]

The PHX sounds like War Drums! Very Aggressive and Boomy! I love it! The Hybrid has more control. Great studio kit...

[@lanceschultz7132]

Good video. Beautiful kits. Professionally done. I suggest people use ear buds or good speakers, the nuance of each really shines that way. (Musicians probably know that) well done sir.

[@MatthiasKnorrMusic]

Thanks so much 🙏🏻

[@lanceschultz7132]

@MatthiasKnorrMusic im jealous. I have a 93' mij r.c. that I order ed as a sophomore in h.s. would love to try that kit!!

[@Pearl3Drummer]

To my ears the AHM had a much cleaner/clearer tone. Both sounded great but if I had a choice, I would want the AHM in an orange sparkle finish.

[@MatthiasKnorrMusic]

Great choice! Thank you for checking out the video

[@boom-kanick3775]

8:30 well played man! 👏🏻👏🏻 great control and dynamics!!

[@MatthiasKnorrMusic]

@@boom-kanick3775 Thank You 🙏🏻

[@koreanational]

Holy cow. Best (one of) drums, tuned really well, top notch cymbals, and an AWESOME DRUMMER! great mics and recording, tasty grooves, great format, very well done.

[@MatthiasKnorrMusic]

Thanks for the kind words and for checking it out

[@atomicslam1589]

One of the best demo's I've seen on KZbin. This guy truly get's that when demo'ing a drumset, then (and I'm just going out on a limb here) it's somewhat important to hit the drums. There are set demo's on the manufacturer's own websites that do a better job of demo'ing the cymbals than they do the drums, which is a f*cking epidemic on KZbin. Great job with this! Not sure what it's worth, but the Hybrid Maple's sound better to me in almost every demo I hear of these two kits. It may be the total opposite when sitting behind the kit, in person....but, as far as video's go, the maple hybrid wins almost every time. If they weren't so expensive, and made in China, I'd own a set of them already! Btw...that entire setup with those Paiste's is to die for. Absolutely beautiful sound, as a whole. And, that snare is incredible, as well. Is that the shallower of the two Recording Custom aluminum snares???

[@MatthiasKnorrMusic]

Thanks for checking out the video. The Snare is indeed the Yamaha 14x5.5 Recording Custom Aluminum. One of my favorite Snaredrums to play.

[@cbaum64]

The mix, gear, demonstration, and chops are all on point, man, perfect comparison format. The envy is going to be palpable in the likes and comments.

[@MatthiasKnorrMusic]

thanks man! 🙏👍

[@LukasAugustinTopic]

Hi, first of all I wanna thank you for this detailed demonstration of the two Yamaha Kits. I like the sound of both, but when money is not a problem I tend to the PHX. The reason is, that the Absolut Maple Hybrid are sounding very good to but especially in the floor toms the overtone spectrum is much different to the PHX. The PHX has more dominant overtones in the octave, which makes them clear and resonant and also warmer in sound to my mind. There is no choking. The AMH has a dominant upper fith (Oberquinte) in the toms and floor toms, which could not be a reason of the head, because the Heads and also the shell hardware are (nearly) the same. So it must be the shell. That makes the tone of the tom more unclear and the tom got a little bit choked (to my mind). I know, that this is "Meckern auf sehr hohem Niveau". But the difference is there. I had a conversation with a seller at a big music store in Berlin. He told me, that 80% of the sound is influenced by the head. And to my mind he is right. Get a good middle class drum kit, invest in good heads and Cymbals and you have a good or very good sounding drumkit. But here we can hear the other 20%, and sometimes that is the component, which makes the sound perfect. Maybe it is the most effort of all with the shells to get something so perfectly resonating with a perfect overtone spectrum. But that remembers me to the pareto principle: the good middle class kit is the 20% of the (manufacturing by company and financial by the customer) effort to get the good sound, 80% result. To get the 100% result, the perfect drum sound, you need the other 80% of effort to get it. To my mind the Phoenix PHX is the best example for this in the world of drum kits. Your wonderful presentation makes that difference clear. Thanks for that. Greetings

[@MatthiasKnorrMusic]

Vielen lieben Dank. Es freut mich, dass ich helfen konnte. Beide Drumsets sind fantastische Instrumente. Aber das PHX hat „mehr Dimensionen“ in meinen Augen bzw. Ohren. Ich kann dieses Set jedem ans Herz legen, der auf der Suche nach einzigartigem Sound ist und auf exzellente Verarbeitung Wert legt.

[@LukasAugustinTopic]

@@MatthiasKnorrMusic Ja, dem kann ich nur zustimmen. Da finde ich es ja schon etwas schade, dass Yamaha keine passende Snare dazu anbietet. Zumindest habe ich im Produktkatalog nichts aus der Phoenix Serie gesehen. Es gäbe sicher Potential für so ein Instrument.

[@fermendozadrums]

Hi bro, great videos! I have both also and I tend to like the hybrids a bit more, I feel they sound warmer, with more bottom end, especially the floor toms and the bass drum, the rack toms on the other hand sound incredible on the PHX! Greetings from a Paiste brother 🙂

[@MatthiasKnorrMusic]

Thanks man, now you know how great the PHX sounds in real life 😉 Congrats again on your new kit.

[@bpdrumstudio]

I have the Hybrid set and absolutely love it. Tuning and heads are different as the players many times however I do have much more tone and sustain out of my drums that as on this video. But it extremely difficult to Taylor to tastes because we're all different. I appreciate the video. That 18 Tom make me want to get one now lol.

[@marckuesters]

What micophones do you use Brant?

[@JoeNocella]

Just picked up a set of AHM. I love the kit. So musical. Since you seem to do a lot of testing, what heads do you like the most on AHM?

[@MatthiasKnorrMusic]

Thanks for checking out the video. I personally really like to put any Remo Ambassador head on them. But a few years ago I discovered the Ambassador White Suede version and really enjoy the sound of them. But it all depends on the music you like and play. For heavier Rock music I would use the White Suede Emperor head since they add a bit more “fatness” to the mix. For all other styles - Remo Ambassador. I hope this helps a bit.

[@leonderprofi7269]

Dope Video! Dope Playing!

[@MatthiasKnorrMusic]

thank you very much!

[@daprophet2970]

I've found the AHM to be more at home with a clear single ply batter and reso setup. The coated heads, especially the Emperors on the floor toms really kill the tone and resonance on the 14 and 16, but it sure sounded fantastic on the 18's. Please consider a G1 or Ambassador retest for the for the floor toms. I'd definitely like to hear a full comparison of both kits outfitted with both 2ply and single ply clear bats and reso. You are a very precise musician. Thank you sir !

[@MatthiasKnorrMusic]

Da Prophet thanks for watching.

[@golferal]

So obviously the PHX have more resonance (at least with this tuning/ head combo.) Do you have a personal preference between the two if cost was a consideration? BTW, I use those same Gibraltar cymbal boom arms and actually prefer them to the Yamaha ones!

[@MatthiasKnorrMusic]

They are both fantastic sounding kits but I think I would always prefer a PHX kit. I really like that extra of resonance I can get out of the PHX if it is needed but also get rid of it by using some SkyGel Pads and different tuning. And the quality and finish on these drums are so amazing. But I always write this, when somebody asks me - the Hybrid Maple is my favorite kit if a PHX is not available, because it has that full warm sound.

[@phillamoore157]

Absolutely outstanding comparison. I still think for the money the Hybrid maple is the way to go. I may feel differently if I was actually sitting behind the kit. I'm told the Phoenix is the best kit I'll ever play. However, I'm also told they're finicky to tune???? Don't know if there's any truth to that. But, that Hybrid Maple kit is so warm and focused, even when tuned a bit higher. When tuned lower with a head like an Emperor they're absolutely thunderous and very warm with the perfect amount of resonance. But, this was outstanding, and the only demo I know of like this. Typically, drumcenternh does the best drum demo's on the internet, but I haven't seen on of the Phoenix kit yet. This was very similar to their demo's. Very, very well done young man!

[@MatthiasKnorrMusic]

Thank you🙏🏻 I personally don’t think they are difficult to tune. But maybe other drums just tune up a bit faster. 😊

[@phillamoore157]

@@MatthiasKnorrMusic Yeah...the thinner maple shells so many drums have today give a very wide tuning spectrum. So, the drums sound great the second you put heads on them. Thicker shells have a bit of a sweet-spot. Good to hear your experiences, though.

[@B.Dalton.175]

On the fence between the Recording Customs and the Hybrid Maples, thoughts? Both the PHX and AHM sound phenomenal by the way.

[@MatthiasKnorrMusic]

Thanks for checking out the Video. The Hybrid Maple has a bit more open sound compared to the Recording Customs. And it sounds a bit more round and warm. I really like the hook lugs on the hybrid Maples to quickly change hdrumheads if needed. 2min for one drum - just awesome. So my personal choice will always be the AHMs. Or PHX of course :-) But I would like to hear the new Live Custom Hybrids in person sometime. I heard nothing but gut things about them. If I can get my hands on one I might do a similar comparison with these as well

[@B.Dalton.175]

Matthias Knorr I take it as you’re a Dave Weckl fan as well?

[@MatthiasKnorrMusic]

@@B.Dalton.175 for sure I am a Weckl fan. Dave is one of the biggest influences in my playing. I even got the chance to meet him and got a full day of lessons from him. Great guy. His favourite kits on tour are PHX & AHM as well. But the decision was only sound related when I got my kits. I just loved the sound of the PHX and AHM.

[@larrytate1657]

Very nice. I have a AHM. Like it a lot. If I could change one thing I think I prefer a 10x8 10 inch tom over a 10x7. The 10x7 has less of the doom sound I like and more of a higher pitch to it. Other than that I enjoy the 12x8 over the 12x9 however. Great drums. Thanks for the video.

[@Leanneburkeband]

Phx purely based on resonance. It would be interesting to see how the new hybrid oak custom compares.

[@AMx39]

I Teresita g choice of heads. What made you go for the suede instead of regular coated. I have the AHM and use coated emperors but I am intrigued by the suede. Do they render a slightly better attack than the traditional coated variants? Also does the suede ps3 give you more low fundamental than the clear version? Thank you man, I’ve heard some of your other stuff and you my friend are a very impressive drummer.

[@MatthiasKnorrMusic]

Hi Abel, thanks for checking out my channel. Yes the suede version has a bit more attack than coated and a bit less than clear but sounds warm. Plus they playing feel is a bit "softer" than regular Ambassador coated or clear. The same goes for the Bassdrum heads as well. Feels a bit softer and sounds warm with balanced attack. Just check them out and see if you like them yourself. They are my current favorites.

[@Dummertrummer]

All this info without meantioning the heads. XD But it sounds like Ambassador on the rack-toms and Emperor on the floor-toms? Great video btw! AHM was my favorite.

[@MatthiasKnorrMusic]

Thanks for checking it out. At 0:14 I mentioned the drum heads used.

[@Dummertrummer]

@@MatthiasKnorrMusic Ooh! My bad.

[@davix8669]

How can a 11mm thick shell resonate like a 4mm one?

[@MatthiasKnorrMusic]

That's a great question. It's kind of a mystery for me as well. But I think one reason is the Y.e.s.s.II mount and where it attaches to the shell. A more detailed explanation can be found on the Yamaha Website right here: usa.yamaha.com/products/musical_instruments/drums/ac_drums/drum_sets/phx/features.html

[@davix8669]

@@MatthiasKnorrMusic yes, the yess helps a lot but the other kirs have suspension systems like it...

[@MatthiasKnorrMusic]

@@davix8669 right, but only the PHX has a Y.e.s.s. mount with a wooden piece that sits between the shell and the hex mount. So there is less metal that could interfere or absorb the vibration of the shells. But only @YamahaDrumsEurope could provide the 💯 % correct answer on this.

[@davix8669]

@@MatthiasKnorrMusic i also think it's something in the woods...ok the yess is super efficient but it's always a 11mm 😱

[@progression_decibel]

In the PHX I hear more of a clear, present sound. In the AHM I hear more of a warm, full sound. The resonance is about identical to my ears. The attack was slightly more in the PHX. Sounds corny, but I equivocate the comparison to drumheads; Clear drumheads offer more attack and Coated heads more warmth. I get the same feeling with both kits. I personally prefer my drums to be full and low so my vote goes to AHM but I would gladly accept either if they "fell off the back of a truck." :-) Thanks for the video!

[@MatthiasKnorrMusic]

thanks for checking it out. I play the White Suede heads because I feel they are "in between" the clear & coated heads. So I can get the best of both worlds 😎

[@larrytate1657]

On your hybrid maples how do you tune your top to bottom head pitch ratio? Thank you

[@MatthiasKnorrMusic]

Hi Larry, I tune the reso head higher than the top head and the interval between the heads is a perfect 4th most of the time. But it all depends on how much pitchbend you want and where the drums are setup (studio, arena, club etc.)

[@eriksmithdrummer]

great buddy!

[@MatthiasKnorrMusic]

thanks Erik 🙏🏻

[@SONORSQ2guy]

Why kind of mixer are you using?

[@MatthiasKnorrMusic]

Hi Greg, my Mixer is a Soundcraft Si Performer 1 with the Multi Digital Card installed to be able to use it as an Interface.

[@PLDrums1]

I'd love to see the same video, but with the AHMs swapped out for a Gretsch USA Custom in the same sizes.

[@MatthiasKnorrMusic]

Thanks for checking out the video. Maybe somebody else owns those drumsets to compare them. I only own the PHX and the AHM.

[@scottwhite9428]

Wow, both sets are phenomenal. The PHX has slightly more sustain, with the AHM having a little more of a focused sound. Tone of both are top shelf, tuned very well also. I would take either, but am currently looking into purchasing an AHM now.

[@MatthiasKnorrMusic]

That is a great choice. Enjoy your AHM kit 👍🏻👍🏻

[@BobbyJetty1502]

Beautiful tone. Ridiculously way to big hii hats. But holy mother of God, this kit sounds incredible.

[@MatthiasKnorrMusic]

Thank you, yes the Hihats look big but they are just a pair of 15" Paiste Formula602 Modern Essentials. It seems that 15" is the new 14" 😅

[@GeraldoMueller]

Gut Job kollege!

[@dragobotica]

and now after this video mount any Yamaha series, even a stage custom Yamaha and you will see that the differences are almost negligible. the conclusion is that Yamaha makes all drums from its collection very consistently with precision and quality.

[@MatthiasKnorrMusic]

Yes, all Yamaha Drums sound fantastic. But of course there are differences in sound. Otherwise it wouldn’t be necessary to build all the different series of drums. Thanks for checking out the video 🙏🏻

[@MBR-Drums92]

Ahm series for me please

[@MatthiasKnorrMusic]

Great choice, AHM are some of Yamaha's best ever drums imo.

[@Jmilillo]

Imo, the PHX isn’t worth it. The Absolute Hybrid Maple and even the Tour Customs sound just as amazing for thousands less than the PHX. Yamaha just makes all of their drums with the utmost quality and craftsmanship, and no matter what kit you get, it’ll sound like a quality drumset

[@MatthiasKnorrMusic]

Yes, I agree, Yamaha's Drumkits all sound incredible. I own a Stage Custom Kit as well and if tuned correctly it can sound like a really expensive kit as well. But the PHX has something special about it soundwise. Next to the sound one of the main reasons to buy the PHX, for me was that beautiful Ash veneer. Unfortunately you can't get this finish option anymore. :-( Maybe again in the future (?) who knows. If I was to buy a pro quality Kit now I would go for the Absolute Hybrid Maple. It sounds amazing and it has the hook lugs installed to the shells for quick drum head changes. Or if the finish is a main reason, the Hybrid Oak series has some awesome options for that.

[@DUALMOTION]

Do a whole Studio Tour :)!

[@MatthiasKnorrMusic]

You will be surprised how "big" my studio actually is 😅

[@billbrandt1106]

Best review on drums I've seen. My only criticism is that I think the drums were tuned way too low and didn't have as good of a tone as they could have had.

[@MatthiasKnorrMusic]

Thanks for checking it out👍

[@J4B7]

Hi Bill, I've owned a lot of Yamaha drums over the years and I do love them. Having said that a high tuning is just not where most of them speak their best. A set of Gretsch or Slingerland will do that for sure but the kits I've owned (Recording Custom, Maple Custom, Both BCAN & MCAN, and PHX ) all seem to be at home at a mid or low tuning. Just my observations. :)

[@ashtonmoore6229]

What’s the snare?

[@MatthiasKnorrMusic]

It's the Recording Custom Aluminum 14x5.5.

[@arnoldlancelot9489]

one is made in Japan, the other is made in china🤷🏼‍♂️🤷🏼‍♂️🤷🏼‍♂️

[@MatthiasKnorrMusic]

Yup, and both kits sound fantastic imo.

[@AMDpc067]

I think the tour custom sounds better than both kits

[@MatthiasKnorrMusic]

that is interesting. Is there a reason why you say that or, why do you think they sound better? I agree the Tour Customs sound great (I've played them at a gig sometime). But there is a BIG difference in sound projection compared to the TCs. The AHMs & PHX Drums definitely sound bigger than the TCs.

[@larrytate1657]

those stage customs are not built like these you can just feel the quality in these when tuning and holding them, but the stage customs def punch above their price tag in terms of sound. I don’t think they sound better thsn these just different. A more drier sound with less sustain and that can some times result in a more defined type of tone cause it’s shorter. I prefer the resonance and attack of these and of course the build quality is not comparable.

[@larrytate1657]

And also the dynamic range of sensitivity on the Hybrid maple is way broader than the stage custom.

[@AMDpc067]

Matthias Knorr well the tour customs have thinner shells (5.6mm) and have flanged hoops but not all the plies are North American hardwood. I agree, the PHX not only resonates more than the hybrids, they seem to have more “oomph” the power of the note of the toms seems be longer than the hybrids which seem to give out quicker. PHX is my dream kit and I have yet to even find a set to play on.