The present invention is directed to a recorder having recorded paper mounted to advance from a body with a curved surface to a roller lengthwise, and with at least one recording stylus mounted to move transversally across the width of the recording paper as it moves lengthwise. Additionally, a lead piece is placed in the path of the recording stylus extending over the edge of the recording paper to smoothly lead the recording stylus into the recording paper. This lead piece is rotatably supported on the recorder, with a means for continuously biasing the lead piece in a direction to withdraw the lead piece from the path of the recording paper, along with an obstruction positioned to push the biasing means to retain the lead piece over said recording paper.