A variable inductor includes a coil, a moveable contactor, and moveable magnetic material caused to move proximate the coil and simultaneously with the contactor. The contactor establishes first and second portions of the coil and, relative to the condition using no magnetic material, the inductance of the first portion is increased while the inductance of the second portion is substantially unchanged. Thus, over substantially all the tuning range, the first portion inductance is maintained greater than the second portion inductance.