An embodiment of the invention is a head for perpendicular recording that has
a trailing shield and side shields that are connected to the return pole piece
by two studs of ferromagnetic material. The studs extend parallel to the track
direction and are located a sufficient distance away from the main pole piece to
reduce the flux flow from the main pole piece to the studs. Optionally the studs
can be recessed behind the air-bearing surface. The preferred embodiment of the
invention is a magnetic transducer with separated read and write heads for perpendicular recording.