Abstract: An automatic tape loading type recording and/or reproducing apparatus employs a guide drum having heads for recording or reproducing signals on or from a tape. A pair of tape guides engage the tape, as it is moving in the vicinity of the guide drum, and guide it along a specific tape travel path, over a specific angular expanse of the guide drum. The tape guides move in a specific direction to a specific position at the time of loading, and move, in the reverse direction, from the specific position at the time of unloading. A checking means contacts the tape guides which have been moved to the specific position and prevents a displacement of the tape guides in a reverse direction, during recording or reproducing mode of operation.