A magnetic core defining a physical gap and a thin magnetic body of high permability and low coercivity are arranged in close proximity, with the keeper bridging the gap. A magnetic flux directed by the gap saturates the keeper in an area briding the gap, thereby forming a virtual gap forming a transducing zone in the keeper. The core may be moved or scanned with respect to a stationary keeper, thereby moving or scanning the virtual gap in the keeper relative to a magnetic storage medium in proximity to the keeper. |