On the other end of the scale, I want to start looking at getting my
cabinet restored. The previous owners have been nice to it, but there
are some blemishes, especially where the owner tried 'hiding' the
blemishes with some oil-based crayon 'cover up' stain which, over
time, has turned a bright red and does NOT match the cabinet any more.
('Sides, I'd like to get it a little darker stain, unless I can find
a reference of how my player USED to be stained. Player in question?
Aeolian modem, around 1908.)

Would this be above a 'do it yourself' project? If not, I KNOW I'd
have to protect my player mechanism from dust - anything else I should
take note?  If it IS above a DIY'er, who should I consider? A 'furniture'
restorer?

Thanks!
Me.