[2] The Loophonium's alternative name, the Harpic-cord (or Harpic-phone),[3] is a play both on the harpsichord instrument and the Harpic brand of toilet cleaner.

[4] The Loophonium consists of two parts: a silver-plated[9] euphonium with Perinet valves[7] connected at the bell to a mock-Victorian toilet.

[4] The Loophonium was played by Spiegl at the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic's April Fools' Day and "Nuts in May" concerts.

[5][6] When the national anthem was played at concerts involving the Loophonium, the toilet seat would be raised as if to salute.

[10][7] After a repair in 2004 at the National Conservation Centre,[12][11] the Loophonium was put on display in 2006 at the William Brown Street gallery.