A magnetic write head assembly has a head surface and a track width at the head surface wherein the head surface forms a first vertical plane and wherein the head assembly includes first and second pole pieces, a write gap located between the first and second pole pieces, the second pole piece having first and second components wherein the first component is located between the write gap and the second component and each of the first and second components has a height into the head which extends from and which is oriented perpendicular to said head surface, the first component having a uniform thickness throughout its height into the head with the height into the head forming a zero throat (ZTH) which lies in a second vertical plane that is parallel to said first vertical plane, the height into the head of the second component being greater than the height into the head of the first component, and each of the first and second components having said track width at the head surface.