A magnetic recording and reproduction apparatus includes a cylinder; a first chassis section; a second chassis section; and at least first, second and third tape guide members. The second chassis section is movable between a first position and a second position. When the second chassis section is in the first position, a supply reel, the first tape guide member, the second tape guide member, the third tape guide member and the cylinder are arranged in this order, such that only the first, second and third tape guide members guide the magnetic tape between the supply reel and the cylinder. When the second chassis section is in the first position, the first tape guide member is in contact with a magnetic surface of the magnetic tape, and the second and third tape guide members are in contact with the non-magnetic surface of the magnetic tape.