diff --git a/gtk2_ardour/editor_actions.cc b/gtk2_ardour/editor_actions.cc
index 1bfad8c7b3..f2b742804c 100644
--- a/gtk2_ardour/editor_actions.cc
+++ b/gtk2_ardour/editor_actions.cc
@@ -645,7 +645,7 @@ Editor::register_actions ()
 		ruler_range_action->set_active (true);
 		ruler_loop_punch_action->set_active (true);
 		ruler_loop_punch_action->set_active (true);
-		ruler_bbt_action->set_active (false);
+		ruler_bbt_action->set_active (true);
 		ruler_cd_marker_action->set_active (true);
 		ruler_timecode_action->set_active (true);
 		ruler_minsec_action->set_active (false);