Tape recording system and method for reading media having write-append head-positioning based on change in tape lateral dimension

The present disclosure generally relates to a tape drive comprising a tape head comprising one or more modules, wherein each module comprises a plurality of servo readers; a plurality of read elements; and a control circuitry configured to retrieve a priority servo reader designation for a bundle of data tracks of the plurality of data tracks, wherein the priority servo reader designation is one or more servo readers of the plurality of servo readers; use the designated priority servo reader to adjust a lateral position the tape head; retrieve a target delta Y position (ΔYpos); and adjust a tilt of the tape head based on the target ΔYpos.