diff --git a/gtk2_ardour/vca_master_strip.cc b/gtk2_ardour/vca_master_strip.cc
index eacc1a0ecd..297ee32fd4 100644
--- a/gtk2_ardour/vca_master_strip.cc
+++ b/gtk2_ardour/vca_master_strip.cc
@@ -132,7 +132,6 @@ VCAMasterStrip::VCAMasterStrip (Session* s, boost::shared_ptr<VCA> v)
 
 	global_vpacker.show ();
 	global_frame.show ();
-	top_padding.show ();
 	vertical_button.show ();
 	hide_button.show ();
 	number_label.show ();
diff --git a/gtk2_ardour/vca_master_strip.h b/gtk2_ardour/vca_master_strip.h
index d00232a798..0505788aaf 100644
--- a/gtk2_ardour/vca_master_strip.h
+++ b/gtk2_ardour/vca_master_strip.h
@@ -65,7 +65,6 @@ private:
 
 	Gtk::Frame                  global_frame;
 	Gtk::VBox                   global_vpacker;
-	Gtk::HBox                   top_padding;
 	Gtk::HBox                   bottom_padding;
 	Gtk::HBox                   solo_mute_box;
 	ArdourWidgets::ArdourButton width_button;