What can you all tell me about this? Does it also have solid back and sides?

I've played one, and it's probably one of the best necks I've played.  Played like butter.  I dont need the electronics though, do you have to have it?

The one I played had pretty dead strings, but still sounded pretty darn good/balanced.  The Salesman told me it's discountinued. :angry:

Any other guitars in this category?

The Epi Masterbuilts just came out and they have about a dozen at the local GC so its hard to imagine they are already discontinued.  Solid top with lam back/side to my recollection.  I never use electronics.

E. Shoaf

Any idea what they go for in terms of price?

Masterbuilts are all solid and thought by most to be excellent guitars for the money.  I haven't shopped around for them so have no idea what the price would be. 
http://www.epiphone.com/default.asp?ProductID=&CollectionID=15

-josh

I really like my Epi EF-500M (OM body)- It is ALL solid. Sitka top, mahogany b/s. R suffix models have rosewood b/s.

Basic specs are available at Epiphone site (http://www.epiphone.com/default.asp?ProductID=224)

Yiou can get them without electronics.

There is a review of the AJ500RC 12-fret in the March Acoustic Guitar Magazine (http://www.acousticguitarmagazine.com/article/159/159,6821,NEWGEAR-1.asp)

As to price, I think you just need to shop around. You can get an idea as to street price from the AGM review. Mahogany prices will be less than rosewood, w/o electronics less than with - you know the drill!

I recently owned a Epiphone Masterbilt EF-500RCE (which has since been discontinued). I believe Epiphone discontinued a few of the models and have introduced new ones as well. They are a terrific deal for the price. The fit and finish on mine were nearly perfect and it had a very pleasing tone, particularly when strummed or flatpicked. I believe EM SHorts has the best prices on them.

I believe you can buy the EF-500 (Mahogany) for about $200 new less than a OM-03.

The pricing is a bit awkward.  I dont know, I mean I am looking for a beater guitar, that's not a... well, beater.  If you know what I mean.  I need something that I wont feel my heart getting wrung everytime it hits a button on my shirt.  And also something I would feel proud to show the marks of being played a few years down the road.

Compared to the Fenders solid tops.  This has richer more complex sound and is definitely more solidly built.  The Fenders are still good, but you kind of get a boxy sound with what seems to be thinner top of the fender.  But the Fenders has stronger fundumentals.  Compared to the Yamahas, this seems to be actually a bit lighter and better built.  This thing cost 1/2 way between a Larrivee 03 and most other entry level solid tops.  I think I might just spring a bit more when a OM3R shows up for a good price.