5Y3 differences?

[calis]

I'm just wondering if someone would take a second to explain to me if there are any differences between 5Y3GT, 5Y3WGT, and 5Y3WGTA, or point me in the direction of an explanation (eg a website that would explain the differences). In short, I'm building a Fender Champ (5F1). The schematic calls for a 5Y3GT. Will a WGT or WGTA work too? And will there be any differences?

Please let me know. Thanks so much for the help in advance.

Justin

[6267]

Tubes like the 5y3 and 5u4 have been around a really long time. As tube technology got better, so did the tubes. The 5y3 began before octal tubes as the Type 80 rectifier I think (different base). That being said, most circuits calling for a 5y3 can use any 5y3. The difference might be final voltage and current available to the circuit, but it will not vary much. The W indicates military production, and it may or may not be better than a normal 5y3 in terms of reliability. The filament draws should be about the same for any 5y3. I have three or four 5y3s sitting around, all with slightly different construction. They all seem to work about the same.