Abstract: A cassette-type tape recording and/or reproducing apparatus having a tape guide drum with a rotary head moved in a circular path substantially coinciding with the drum circumference, and a holder spaced from the guide drum and locating a tape cassette in an operative position at which a plane passing through the tape in the cassette is inclined in respect to the plane of rotation of the rotary head; is provided with a tape loading apparatus having a tape guiding element guided for movement in a path extending from a first position for engaging the tape in the operatively positioned cassette, to a second position spaced substantially from the first position and at which the engaged tape is wrapped about the circumference of the guide drum, with at least a portion of the path leading to the second position of the tape guiding element being inclined relative to the plane of rotation of the head so that the tape wrapped on the circumference of the guide drum is arranged substantially helically in respect to the l