Magnetic read head wherein the shields are used as electrical leads and have a minimized anisotropic magneto-resistance effect

A recording head for use with magnetic recording media, said recording head comprising:

• a read structure, comprising:
• a read element;
• a pair of shields on opposing sides of said read element, said shields being positioned adjacent said read element to supply a sense current to said read element, wherein said pair of shields have a minimized anisotropic magneto-resistance effect;
• and
• a pair of electrical leads on opposing sides of said pair of shields, said pair of electrical leads being positioned adjacent said pair of shields to supply a sense current across said pair of shields.