Magnetic tape appliance with selectably always-leading head assemblies

A tape guide assembly for use in a tape appliance, the tape appliance including first and second tape head modules, the tape guide assembly comprising:

• a guide surface that includes first and second slots, the first and second tape head modules being disposed within the first and second slots, respectively, for engaging a tape;
• the guide surface configured such that as the tape moves in first and reverse directions of longitudinal tape travel, the tape wraps about the guide surface, and at least two non-overlapping wrap positions of the tape engage the first slot, and at least one wrap position of the tape engages the second slot;
• when the tape travel is in the first longitudinal direction, the first and second tape head modules are positioned within the first and second slots, respectively, such that the first tape head module is the leading module;
• and
• when the tape travel is in the reverse longitudinal direction, the first and second tape head modules are positioned within the first and second slots, respectively, such that the first tape head module remains the leading module.