Preston James Ritter (April 24, 1949 – March 30, 2015)[1] was an American drummer.

Ritter was ultimately replaced by Michael Weakley during recording of the band's second album, Underground, in 1967.

Ritter was a member of the Electric Prunes during their prime, and appeared with them on American Bandstand, Where the Action Is, The Mike Douglas Show and The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour.

[2] He worked as a DJ, police officer and private investigator before becoming a Christian missionary in Korea, where he taught theology.

In later years he returned to Los Angeles, and taught and wrote books on drumming.