[codefox1]

Yes, it appears that is what they did. That was why I originally asked the question about the photo finish. I am not a woodworker, but I thought I might be able to stain the wood to try and blend it in with the rest. Will that be possible? These are not the only two spots.
[Image: http://i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z345...r/topc.jpg]
[Image: http://i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z345...r/topb.jpg]
[Image: http://i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z345...r/topa.jpg]
[Image: http://i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z345...r/topd.jpg]

Gene

Unfortunately I don't think it will be possible to blend those areas in with the rest, there are too many of them and the area is too large, it looks like the rubbed through areas are as wide as 5/8'' in places and 3 inches long. It looks like someone may have attacked the veneer with a sander. I'm not a brand Z aficionado but it also looks like someone may have removed the veneer from the shoulders on top of the cabinet, it would not have been solid wood like that. I case you are wondering the damaged veneer is quarter sawn French walnut which you can still find, you can also still find the quilted maple veneer as well. Neither type is particularly expensive but it's finicky to replace if you've never tried it before.
I hate to be a party pooper but you may be better off finding an empty cabinet, the only way to repair that sort of obliterating the grain with a dark finish or paint would be to re-veneer the damaged portions by removing a strip of veneer, or re-veneer over the entire control panel section. The shoulders will also need to be reveneered, fortunately you don't have to deal with removing any damaged material there at least. There is nothing worst to deal with then a sloppy hack job on a cabinet except maybe a butchered chassis, unfortunately unlike the electrics every slob out there thinks he can do professional refinishing work after a trip to the hardware store.
Regards
Arran

There's always a compromise. I think the damaged areas could be restored with artist's oil based pigments with a spotting brush after stripping and before new finish coat is applied.

That being said, nothing wrong with "Patina" which of course include the less than competent last attempt at refinishing. Early on I ripped through enough veneer to make my coffiin.