Double Bass Help a newbie repair some dings?

[leveethewall]

I play my school's double bass for jazz band and wind ensemble, and the director let me take the bass home for the summer to practice. I'd like to possibly repair some of the cosmetic issues on this thing, and I have no idea where to start. It's one of the lower end basses with layers of wood as it's construction in the body. I would like to fix some splitting of those layers in the back of the bass, and a few of the dings and scratches all over the bass. I have some pictures to help you guys understand what I'd like to get working on. Thanks for your time!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/29015322@N03/sets/72157634075014821/

 

[tyb507]

Since nobody's offered a response, I'll say don't worry about the chips in the finish, and concentrate on practicing this summer! Unless you really spend a lot of time researching and practicing (not to mention buying materials), you probably will just make the spots look worse. Think of it as character. If you really want to learn, here's a good book to pick up:
http://www.amazon.com/Art-Violin-Retouching-Brian-Epp/dp/1892210096

The delamination on the back should be addressed. Somebody like Mollykay or a James Condino who deals more with old ply basses might pipe in with some advice about that, and here's an old thread with good advice from a couple knowledgeable luthiers. http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f3/laminate-repair-69143/