A tape transducer positioning assembly is provided with a frame with a first rail mounted to the frame. A carriage is mounted to the first rail to translate along the first rail. A transducer is supported by the carriage to cooperate with a tape as the tape is translated relative to the transducer. An actuator is mounted to one of the frame and the carriage and connected to the other of the frame and the carriage to position the carriage, and consequently the transducer relative to the tape. A magnet is mounted to the frame to provide a magnetic field. A second rail is mounted to the carriage generally parallel with the first rail. The second rail is oriented within the magnetic field such that a magnetic force is applied upon the second rail to maintain the second rail within the magnetic field.