BIC

BIC Origins

BIC, originally an abbreviation for British Industries Corporation, was established in 1950 as an American corporation that imported high-end British audio products. Initially, BIC focused on distributing top-of-the-line brands such as Garrard turntables, Luxman amplifiers, and Wharfedale loudspeakers.

In 1973, BIC introduced its own brand of American-made loudspeakers and the industry’s first belt drive turntables. This move helped BIC become well-known for patenting the famous “Venturi Port.” By the mid-1970s, BIC America loudspeakers were among the top-selling audio brands in the industry.

Eventually, the corporation began diversifying outside of the audio industry, and shortly after the death of its founder, the company was sold. BIC was purchased again in 1988 and re-emerged in the consumer electronics industry, offering a wide range of high-quality audio components and speaker systems at affordable prices.

Regarding the manufacturing of BIC turntables, it is important to note that while BIC was an American company, it is unclear whether they manufactured the turntables themselves or had them made by another company. Some sources suggest that BIC’s turntables were made by BSR, a British company, while others indicate that BIC manufactured them in the USA.