Abstract: A method and apparatus for writing timing-based magnetic servo band patterns on magnetic storage media. The apparatus includes a magnetic head and a tri-state driver. The driver is adapted to control three magnetic head states including two writes states having positive and negative current outputs, respectively, for performing a write sequence and a rest state, having no current output for avoiding overwriting of the magnetic pattern between write sequences. The driver is further adapted to gradually change the magnetic head state from a rest state to a write state before beginning a write sequence and to gradually change the magnetic head state back to a rest state upon completing a write sequence. Thus, strong uniform signal pulses are produced upon playback of the magnetic pattern.