A shellac stick (burn-in stick) is a good option for smaller dents or deep scratches. Your gouge looks large in your picture, but may be smaller than it appears. The sticks come in a variety of colors and are not easy to blend to match existing finishes because they have to be blended while hot.
A combination of epoxy filler to fill the big area, combined with shellac sticks to fill and finish the remaining voids may be the answer. You will need to purchase an electric burn in tool and shellac sticks to use this method and practice before you start.
Good luck - here is a video to get you started.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-d9btPTImIBurn-in sticks and other supplies are available from
The Furniture Doctor - Walt the owner, is a great guy and a fellow phonograph collector
http://www.furnituredoctor.net3323 Peach Orchard Rd.
Augusta, GA 30906
Phone: 706.798.5951
Fax: 706.798.7658
Toll-Free Orders: 1.800.715.2380
Email:
supplies@furnituredoctor.netI'm attaching his complete furniture restoration catalog - Burn-in supplies are on pages 14-16