In magnetic sound recording and reproducing apparatus of the type comprising a cassette holder adapted to recline a cassette containing a magnetic tape, an operating lever carrying a magnetic head and a pinch roller, a capstan, means for driving the capstan, means for moving the operating lever so as to move the magnetic head and the pinch roller toward and away from the magnetic tape and the capstan respectively, and a mode switching mechanism, the mode switching mechanism is provided with driving means for moving the operating lever for selectively performing playing back, rewinding and rapid feeding, and coupling means for operating the operating means from the driving means of the capstan.