Advice on a finish for a non-mando

[buckhorn]

not a mandolin but close.. I've taken on the repair of a very old fiddle.. The owner was told that it was beyond repairing but I just couldn't let it die without trying.. Hide glue to repair most cracks, but there are wood slivers missing.. may try carving chips to match.. about 3/4 are repaired but those were the easy ones.. Anyone have advice on trying to smooth out the top ?

[Stephen Perry]

Inlay new wood that matches. Stain to match patina. Build up thin strong color in spirit varnish until finish color matches. Then fill with many layers clear spirit varnish.