A full set should come with:
* Hardware: 1 cymbal stand, 1 Hi-hat stand, 1 Snare Stand, 1 Bass drum pedal
* 1 Snare drum
* 2 High Toms, 1- Floor Tom
* 1 Bass Drum
* Most beginner drum sets come with stock Drum cymbals : These are basically the Hi-hat and crash cymbals.
Counting the parts of the whole drum set, without the cymbals or hardware, is considered to be a 5 Piece drum set. Meaning 1-Snare drum, 2-Toms, 1-Floor Tom, 1-Bass drum.
A complete drum set basically is everything on that drum set pictured above except the ride cymbal. If you are a beginner drummer you don’t need that just yet, you can learn without it.
It is important to know what comes with a complete drum set so that you don’t end up spending a fortune making it complete. Beginner drum sets that are ”out of the box” are usually ready to play!
When you understand this, you save money. You learn about Beginner drum sets and what they should come with. Remember this, ESPECIALLY if you are buying a used drum set.
Here Is a Complete Drum Set with Only 4 Pieces To It.
This set is still considered to be a full set because it consists of everything that you need to properly play.
Yes, it is “missing” 1 of its Toms, but in technicality, you don’t really need 2 toms. One can suffice, hence, you still have a complete drum set.
If you are a beginner drummer, a Pearl Beginner drum set is a full set as well as a very popular set. With Pearl you don’t have to worry… Just play!
Source: http://www.start-drumming.com/full-drum-set.html