Abstract: A hi-hat controller for controlling a space between a lower hi-hat cymbal and an upper hi-hat cymbal includes a first body portion for coupling to the lower hi-hat cymbal, a second body portion for coupling to a cymbal stand, an actuator for moving the first body portion relative to the second body portion through a range of motion to adjust the space between the lower and upper hi-hat cymbals, and a lock that automatically fixes the position of the first body portion with respect to the second body portion at any position along the range of motion when a user releases the actuator.