QSC

In 1967, Patrick Howe Quilter was a simple Californian engineering student who was into electronics and music. When he heard the bassist in his younger brother's high school band needed an affordable amplifier, he saw an opportunity. The budget was US$250, and Patrick was confident.

"I could probably make you something for that kind of money," he famously said. The result was the first QSC amplifier, but it wouldn't be the last. With music-minded friends coming out of the woodwork looking for custom guitar amps on the cheap, the young entrepreneur left school and set up shop in Costa Mesa, California. Here he was able to sell amplifiers on the shop floor, while designing, building, and repairing them in his workshop out the back.

Over the years, the company became known as the Quilter Sound Company, which in turn became QSC. The focus also shifted from solely guitar amps to power amplifiers, powered speakers, stage monitors, and mixers for live audio. In fact, the company even makes solutions for corporate offices and cinemas, just going to show that you should never turn down an opportunity when it arises!