A tape recorder of the invention comprises a fixed guide member 5 disposed for a path of travel of a magnetic tape 10 between a tension post 43 and a full-width erasing head 21 and having a tape guide face 54 to be brought into sliding contact with the lower of a pair of side edges of the tape 10 between the main surface thereof, with the lower side edge positioned closer to the chassis 1. The fixed guide member 5 regulates the level of the tape 10 widthwise thereof by receiving the lower side edge of the tape by the tape guide face 54 while being held out of contact with the main surface of the tape 10. The recorder can be manufactured at a lower cost without impairing the accuracy of the path of travel of the tape.