Abstract: A dot matrix printer head in which movement of a plurality of printing wires is effected by an equal member of circumferentially spaced armatures and the head employs permanent magnet and electromagnetic members for controlling movement of the individual armatures. An annular core base in the head has a plurality of cores of the electromagnetic members disposed in annular array thereon and an annular yoke member having the permanent magnet associated therewith is disposed on said base within said array of cores. Each of the armatures is associated with said yoke and one of said cores so that the permanent magnet provides a magnetic flux tending to move the armatures and printing wire to a non-print position. Each of the cores has a coil thereon which, when energized, neutralizes the flux from said permanent magnet for its core and the armature associated therewith.