I've been looking to invest in a Japanese Archtop Soloist lately, but it seems the Slat3-6 selection out there isn't what it used to be, and some websites are out and say they aren't getting anymore in stock, guitar center only has the black ones too...

Has this model been discontinued? If so, PLEASE tell me that something better than the X series Soloists will be available soon. At least an Archtop X series with active emg's and a nice looking maple/mahogany/alder topped body?

I'm pretty sure they've been discontinued same for the slat3 7. I just managed to get hold of one of them from a local shop here in England but online there all gone I believe

Yeah through some google searching it looks like all Japanese production is no more...

I did find a used SLAT3-6 Trans black at a guitar center not too far away, and they were asking only $800 for it. So I called them up to see what condition the guitar was in, and the guy had to double check that the guitar was indeed used and priced correctly because he felt that it was in brand new condition. So I took a gamble and ordered it and when I got it, he was right. This thing is pristine! Only problem with it was the fretboard looked like someone had used guitar wax on it, so the grain of the wood had some white-ish stuff in it, but with a good clean and a wood treatment, it looks perfect now. Worked great because I immediately planned on restringing it with DR's.

I love this guitar, couldn't be happier! I wish I had bought this one last year instead of settling for the cheaper ESP/LTD MH-350FR like I did, this guitar is much better than those with their skinny ass fretboards.