I needed a large base 3 way bulb for our antique lamp. I looked around and couldn't find a replacement. This lamp is GE branded and I expect it to last a few years. Some reviewers from other brands have complained that their bulb either burns out quickly or loses one of three stages. My lamp has endured many on-off cycles and no problems so far. I could buy an adapter that converts my lightbulb to regular lightbulbs. But I would lose the three-way function. We wanted a three way option. All in all a perfect lamp.