Other major U.S. brass-instrument manufacturers soon began production of similar instruments. The instrument was first popularized by Italian-born euphonium virtuoso Miguel Raffayolo, soloist with the Patrick Gilmore band, documented in American newspapers by 1880.
The instrument's rise in popularity is attributed to both its widespread production by American manufacturers and the notable performances of Italian-born euphonium virtuoso Miguel Raffayolo, who was documented performing with the Patrick Gilmore band in 1880.