For Barbarians (only) the Barbarian Spiritist's Hammer is a really great melee option. It isn't too expensive (5k, maybe less?) and from level 30 on it procs the same nuke as the JBB (which you can't use until 45). If you melee the whole fight you'll usually get at least 2 procs in, which adds up to a lot of damage.
As for where to solo ...
wiki.project1999.com/Per-Level_Hunting_Guide
Although it's technically for any class, it was compiled by a Shaman (me) so it's chock full of great places that a Shaman can solo.