Abstract: A head assembly for reading and writing data upon the magnetizable surface of passing tape. In its initial form the contour of the head comprises four bearing areas separated by three grooves or depressions. The outboard two of the four bearing areas are defined by a pair of contiguous, arcuate surfaces which blend into ramps which extend from opposing sides of the areas. The inboard pair of bearing surfaces each surround and are flush with the ends of a plurality of magnetic transducers adapted to be inductively coupled to a length of magnetic tape passing over the head surfaces. The inboard bearing surfaces are each formed by a major, centrally-disposed arc with second and third contiguous arcuate surfaces located at both ends of the central arc.The above-described contours are initially formed in the head assembly by grinding according to conventional methods.