PURPOSE: To attain the fast feeding operation in either direction simply by bringing either reel to the fast feed with a speed changeover mechanism comprising the 1st and 2nd operating members or the like and switching the tape running direction with a prescribed switching piece.

CONSTITUTION: A tape recorder chassis 101 is provided with the tape speed switching mechanism comprising the 1st and 2nd operating members 108, 109 and a tape speed switching lever 134 or the like and with a tape direction switching piece 126 operated with the operating members 108, 109. In applying fast feed to the left to the tape, when the operating member 108 is depressed, the switching lever 134 is moved clockwise, an idler gear 139 is meshed with a reel axial gear 136 and the left reel shaft 106 is fed quickly. In applying fast feed to the right, the operating member 109 is depressed. In depressing the operating members 108, 109 at the same time, a prescribed lock plate is moved and the direction is switched for the changeover of the tape running direction. Thus, the fast feed is attained to either direction by simple operation.