A magnetic recorder in which magnetic signals are transmitted between a magnetic head device and a magnetic tape, comprises a capstan shaft for driving the magnetic tape when the magnetic tape is pressed against the capstan shaft, so that the magnetic tape runs on the magnetic head device. A pinch roller presses the magnetic tape against the capstan shaft. A main chassis has the magnetic head and the capstan shaft mounted thereon. The magnetic tape and the pinch roller are mounted on a side chassis, with the slide chassis being movable relatively to the main chassis in a feed path between a first position in which the magnetic tape is wound on the magnetic head device for transmitting the magnetic signals therebetween, and a second position in which the magnetic tape is separated apart from the magnetic head device. A positioning arrangement is connected to both of the main chassis and the slide chassis to restrain a change in positional relation between the main chassis and the slide chassis in at least one direction when the magnetic tape is pressed against the capstan shaft by the pinch roller, and is separated from at least one of the main chassis and the slide chassis in the at least one direction in at least a part of the feed path when the magnetic tape is prevented from being pressed against the capstan shaft by the pinch roller.