A method for providing a magnetic recording transducer is disclosed. The method includes providing a first pole having front and rear portions and a back gap on the rear portion. The method also includes providing an insulator on the first pole. The method includes providing a write gap and providing a portion of a second pole on at least the write gap. A portion of the write gap resides on the front portion of the first pole. A portion of the insulator covers a portion of the first pole between the portion of the second pole and the back gap. The method also includes providing a mask that covers the back gap and exposes the portion of the second pole and the insulator. The method also includes performing a pole trim that can substantially remove the portion of the insulator covering the remaining portion of the first pole.