Description
The RATstands TAO Chair (Top-Adjustable Opera Chair) introduces a new approach to musician seating, combining precise ergonomic adjustment with efficient setup for both performers and venue technicians. Featuring independently adjustable front height, rear height, and seat angle controls, the chair allows musicians to fine-tune their seating position while remaining seated.
Three discreet side-mounted winding handles independently adjust the front legs, rear legs, and seat angle, enabling smooth adjustment under load without the need to stand. The handles can be positioned on either side of the chair as a custom option, allowing the chair to be configured around individual requirements and playing positions.
Designed to fold away when not in use, the handles are protected during transport, movement, and storage. For touring orchestras, shared performance spaces, and multi-user venues, the winding system significantly reduces setup time compared to traditional gas-lift chairs.
The TAO Chair also provides an accessible seating solution for musicians who may have difficulty standing up from a conventional chair. The chair can be raised to an almost-standing height before the musician sits down, then lowered smoothly with one hand while remaining seated. Once the performance or rehearsal is complete, the chair can be raised again to an almost-standing position, helping the musician transition back to standing with greater ease and independence.
The TAO Chair accommodates a wide range of instrumental requirements, from upright seated positions to forward-leaning playing postures, supporting stable and comfortable positioning during long rehearsals and performances. With a seat height range of 43–64cm (16.9–25.2in) and independent seat angle adjustment from -7° to +6.5°, the chair offers exceptional flexibility across all sections of the orchestra.
Built specifically for musicians, the TAO Chair follows RATstands’ ergonomic seating principles to encourage healthy posture and freedom of movement. The narrow backrest provides support where needed without restricting the arms, shoulders, or rib cage, while upper lumbar support encourages an upright seated position.
The backrest is deliberately fixed rather than height-adjustable. Its lower curve is positioned to support the lumbar region and encourage the musician to sit fully back in the chair, helping to maintain the natural curve of the lower spine. An adjustable backrest can allow users to position the support higher up the back, away from the intended lumbar support area.
Although the backrest itself is fixed, the overall back angle can still be adjusted by independently changing the front and rear leg heights, with the seat angle then adjusted to suit the musician. This provides the flexibility to accommodate different playing positions while keeping the lumbar support in its intended position.
The fixed backrest also provides an important practical benefit: the chairs can be stacked near-vertically for efficient storage. Keeping the backrest in a consistent position means chairs can be stacked without each one needing to be reset first, saving time when setting out and storing large numbers of chairs.
The horizontal seat profile, rounded and downturned front and side edges, and carefully positioned frame allow musicians to move naturally around the chair. Many musicians need to sit towards the side of the seat depending on their instrument and playing posture. The TAO Chair accommodates these positions, with the seat extending beyond the supporting frame to allow greater freedom of movement for the musician’s legs.
The rounded, downturned seat edge also allows the musician to keep their feet flat on the floor, helping to promote good circulation and long-term comfort during extended rehearsals and performances.
The chair features a slim, minimal aesthetic with no unnecessary external components, allowing it to integrate discreetly into performance spaces. The wood panel is available in standard wood stain or black stain finishes, with bespoke staining options available to match auditorium interiors. Frame colours and upholstery fabrics can also be customised to complement individual venue aesthetics.
As with all RATstands musician chairs, the TAO Chair is built for demanding professional environments, from opera houses and concert halls to theatres and recording studios. The steel frame is finished with a durable black anti-scratch powder coating for long-lasting performance and a refined appearance. The seat and backrest use firm foam with breathable, flame-retardant upholstery to provide reliable comfort during extended use.
The TAO Chair is also designed for efficient storage and transport. Chairs can be vertically stacked for compact storage, with a recommended transport height of up to 10 chairs measuring 1.87m (6’1.5″). The Opera Chair Trolley (301Q80) and Dolly (301Q81) are available separately for easy movement and storage. Compatible with all RATstands Opera Chair models, the TAO Chair allows mixed stacking across seating inventories for maximum flexibility.
