The euphonium was invented in 1843 by Adolf Sax but didn't make its place in band music until the 20th century.The word euphonium derives from the Greek word euphonos meaning 'sweet voiced'.
The euphonium is made up of nine feet of tubing and has a cylindrical bore. This means the bore (or tubing) of the instrument slowly gets larger creating a softer more mellow sound.
A euphonium can have either 3 or 4 valves. When one has 4 valves it is possible to have the fourth valve on the side of the instrument rather than on top with the other 3 valves. As seen in the top picture, that euphonium has a valve on the side and is called a compensating euphonium.

The picture to the left is a double belled euphonium. This type of euphonium was popularized in 1888 but never picked up much steam. The player could not play through both bells at the same time. They would have to use a valve to activate the smaller bell which was thought to offer a harsher sound more like a trombone.
Here is a picture of a mouse playing the euphonium. Proof that everyone loves the euphonium!

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