OK AL, I will get some working pics when I have overcome an annoying break out in the top connection to my main break out point, a 2 BA threaded length of brass rod.
It seems the enamel coating has been fractured where the coil runs across to the 2 BA rod in my winding the coil, exposing the copper and break out occurs there. I've added coat after coat of new varnish on it but it still breaks at that small area when my variac is wound up to 240v. No sharp bends in it either.
I understand problem you had with your brass break out, it is very hot.
You say, "On my first valve tesla...." How many have you made then?
Did you musically modulate any? I would be interested to know.
Well Al as a pianist, music by spark must be a terrible noise for you to listen too, but somewhat compensated by the display, as you mentioned.
......you can't get electrical sparks out of a piano.
I was contemplating changing the spark length for high/lows notes to add to the display.
Pics to follow soon.