Abstract: A magnetic read head having an air bearing surface, a magnetoresistive sensor, an insulator layer, and first and second current contacts. The magnetoresistive sensor has a first portion adjacent to the air bearing surface and a second portion distal from the air bearing surface. The first and second current contacts are positioned in electrical contact with opposite edges of the first portion of the magnetoresistive sensor, and the insulator layer is positioned between the second portion of the magnetoresistive sensor and each of the first and second current contacts.