A mode selecting mechanism for a magnetic tape recording and/or reproducing apparatus is provided with a rotary member having a crank pin extending therefrom and being mounted on a chassis for turning by a control motor between first and second positions, a head base carrying a magnetic head or heads and being slidably mounted on the chassis for movement between inoperative and operative positions, a first spring acting on the head base for urging the latter toward its operative position and causing engagement of a follower on the head base with the crank pin so that turning of the rotary member is adapted to cause movement of the head base between its inoperative and operative positions, capstans rotatably mounted on the chassis and each having a pinch roller associated therewith and supported by a pivotally mounted lever for movement between inoperative and operative positions relative to the respective capstan, and a connecting linkage engaging the crank pin and each pinch roller supporting lever and including a second spring through which a pinch roller is urged to its operative position against the respective capstan when the rotary member is turned to dispose the head base in its operative position, the directions in which the follower on the head base and the connecting linkage engage the crank pin being selected so that the forces of the first and second springs, respectively, act in opposite rotary directions on the rotary member during the turning of the latter by the control motor.