Neon bulb in old Webster Wire Recorder

[PeaveyBandit]

I know this is odd but I own an old 40/50s Webster Chicago brand Wire Reel audio recorder. They all came with a neon bulb exposed in the front panel. The bulb lights when the recording level is peaking. I broke the bulb and didn't realize it was a neon and not a regular old bulb. Now I've found some around the web with googling but not sure what they might have used.

Anyone have a clue on this one? It looks just like a standard 6-8v pilot lamp with the bayonet base but it's a neon.

Ideas? Thanks
PB

[Enzo]

Do you still have the broken bulb's base? More than one type had the miniature bayonette base. SHould be a number printd on the base.

Probably an NE-51

[PeaveyBandit]

Hi Enzo thanks. I have torn my office apart looking for the base but just cant find it. I did run across one of those online, maybe I can try it.

[Don Moose]

Take and post a picture of the socket? Maybe with something of known size next to it for scale (like the first inch or half-inch of a ruler?)?

Hope this helps!

[Enzo]

He described it above as looking just like a standard pilot lamp.

[PeaveyBandit]

Update ordered some NE51 neon bulbs and problem solved. Thanks for taking the time as always. This is one of the few really nice forums that really try to help when you post. Again thanks and have a good one.

Looks like the Ekotape unit I just got in also uses these same bulbs for the recording peak indicator.

Actually placing a regular bulb in the socket may actually short or kill the recording function.