Abstract: A tape recorder in which the middle part of a locking lever which engages and disengages with the engaging part of a slide piece provided on the recorder frame and the end of a suspending piece are loosely pivoted to the moving frame of which one end is pivotally attached to the deck of the recorder frame, a projection which engages with one end of said suspending piece as well as with the engaging portion formed on the moving frame is provided at the end of said locking lever, a toggle spring is hooked between said suspending piece and moving frame thereby forming a guide portion, and wherein a cassette is inserted with its reproduce side or longer side inward requiring only a short stroke to automatically assume a reproducing or recording condition, and allowing easy removal of the cassette.