Abstract: A hi-hat cymbal controller for use with an electronic moveable hi-hat cymbal and clutch, both couplable to the pull rod of a traditional hi-hat stand, contains an internally movable electromagnetic field source and sensor responsive to electromagnetic field changes. Downward motion of the hi hat cymbal and/or clutch relative to the stationary controller causes the field source to move axially relative to the sensor which generates a signal data useful by a drum module to initiate and terminate playback of audio samples characteristic of the co-action between the top and bottom cymbals of an acoustic hi-hat system.