Abstract: In a data storage system using a non-rigid magnetic storage surface, such as a floppy disc, and in which recording and reproduction are to be effected on both sides of the element by contact transducers, significant improvements over prior art devices are realized by employing a fixed transducer on one side of the element, and a movable transducer element on the opposite side. The movable transducer may be gimbal mounted on a pivoted spring-loaded arm of low mass and high stiffness to urge the magnetic storage surface against the fixed transducer with a light force. The force is adequate, together with a slight penetration of the fixed transducer into the plane of the disc, to correct deflections of the storage surface in directions transverse to its principal plane in the region between the transducers. Thus the transducers are maintained in operative relation for maximum flux interchange, but without introducing undue wear or requiring a long head settling time.