1954 GE 12AY7 Gray Plate Bent Rectangular Getter NOS NIB – Balanced 2100/2200 Gm

NOS/NIB vintage General Electric 12AY7 dual-triode vacuum tube, manufactured in the USA and supplied in its original GE box.

This is an early GE 12AY7 featuring gray plates and a bent rectangular top-getter construction. The glass is marked with GE manufacturer code 188-5 and date code 4-09, consistent with production during the ninth week of 1954.

Triplett 3444 test results

• Section 1: 2,100 Gm / 4.3 mA
• Section 2: 2,200 Gm / 4.6 mA
• Triplett 3444 good range: approximately 1,200–1,800 Gm
• Strong, closely balanced sections
• Low noise
• Not microphonic
• No shorts

Transconductance and plate-current readings were measured on a properly operating Triplett 3444 mutual-conductance tube tester. The tube was also checked for noise and microphonics.

This tube tests substantially above the tester’s stated good range while maintaining close balance between the two triode sections.

The 12AY7 is a medium-gain dual triode widely used in vintage guitar amplifiers, microphone preamps, recording equipment, and other audio applications. It is particularly desirable where lower gain, improved clean headroom, and more usable volume control are preferred over a 12AX7.

The tube is being represented as NOS/NIB. The original GE box shows normal storage and shelf wear, including edge wear, creasing, and wear around the lower flap. The original tube printing also shows some fading from age. Please review all photographs carefully for exact cosmetic condition.

You will receive the exact GE 12AY7 tube and original box shown in the photographs.

Test readings can vary between testers because of tester calibration, operating conditions, and test methodology.

Carefully packed for safe shipment.

tmp-7-2