A method for fabricating a magnetic transducer having an air-bearing surface (ABS). An underlayer having a first and second regions and a bevel connecting these regions is provided. The first region is thicker and closer to the ABS than the second region. An intermediate layer conformal with the underlayer is provided. A hard mask layer having a top surface perpendicular to the ABS is formed on the intermediate layer. Part of the hard mask and intermediate layers are removed to provide a trench. The trench has a bottom surface and sidewalls having a first angle between the bottom surface and the intermediate layer and a second angle corresponding to the hard mask layer. A pole is provided in the trench. The pole has a pole tip, a yoke distal, and a bottom bevel. At least the yoke includes sidewalls having sidewall angles corresponding to the first and second angles.