diff --git a/gtk2_ardour/editor.cc b/gtk2_ardour/editor.cc
index ed8fe2f235..458667ce64 100644
--- a/gtk2_ardour/editor.cc
+++ b/gtk2_ardour/editor.cc
@@ -4748,7 +4748,7 @@ Editor::get_preferred_edit_position (EditIgnoreOption ignore, bool from_context_
 
 	switch (ep) {
 	case EditAtPlayhead:
-		if (_dragging_playhead) {
+		if (_dragging_playhead && _control_scroll_target) {
 			where = *_control_scroll_target;
 		} else {
 			where = _session->audible_frame();