Abstract: A head for an ink-on-demand type ink jet printer includes two laterally offset, linear rows of ink nozzles, said nozzle rows being linearly offset for producing alternate dots of a continuous printed line of dots. Interconnected chambers and channels, formed in opposite surfaces of a central plate, are closed by coverplates to provide pressure chambers and nozzle ducts. Individual piezoelectric elements externally affixed to the coverplates in registry with the pressure chambers, when driven, locally deform the coverplate to drive ink from the associated nozzles. Ducts and chambers in one surface are not in registry with the ducts and chambers of the opposite surface, and the lateral offset between rows is less than the printed-character spacing.