Abstract: A magnetic write head and method of manufacture thereof that has a first pole structure having a step notched first pole structure. The step notched structure includes a bottom notched portion that is wider than the second notched portion formed thereover. The upper, or narrower, notched portion has a width that is substantially equal to and self aligned with a second pole structure (P2) formed thereover. The invention may also include first and second wing portions formed in the first pole that are recessed from the ABS and that extend laterally from the first notched portions of the first pole. The formation of the winged portions is assisted by an ion mill resistant bump (alumina bump) formed thereover, which acts as a mask during the ion milling operations that are used to form the first and second notches.