Takamine

Keith Wallen (left) with his Takamine P6JC, with Breaking Benjamin bandmate Jasen Rauch and his P7DC.

Most people know Keith Wallen from his role as co-rhythm guitarist and backing vocalist in the multi-platinum hard rock band Breaking Benjamin, but in August of this year Keith also put out his first full-length solo album, the very well-received This World or the Next. Later this fall, Keith and Breaking Benjamin (including fellow Takamine player Jasen Rauch) are doing an acoustic tour, with Keith opening shows for his “other” band, and plenty of Takamine guitars ready for the task.

Keith grew up in the small town of Beckley, West Virginia, born nearby in 1980.  Teaming up with his childhood friend Shane Bragg, he put together the band Copper, which really took off while the two were in their college years. By the mid-2000s, Copper had achieved charting albums and had performed as headliners or support acts on national tours. 

Fast forward to 2014. The band Breaking Benjamin had been on hiatus for a four year gap, and reemerged as a quintet with Keith handling rhythm guitars and backing vocals. Breaking Benjamin has released three chart-topping albums with Wallen as a member... 2015's Dark Before Dawn, 2018's Ember, and 2020's Aurora. The band has also done several world tours as a headlining act, in addition to being a top-tier name at many music festivals.

Acoustic guitar has been a big part of Keith's work, not only in Breaking Benjamin (where the band often does full acoustic sets as part of their live show) but also in his continuing solo career. In 2019, Keith released three solo singles, with two of them being acoustic covers ("Shallow" by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper, and "The Look" by Roxette). In August of this year, Keith's first full-length solo album was released. Titled This World or the Next, the album has been well received by fans and critics alike.

Takamine Pro Series P6JC

Keith's acoustic guitar of choice is the Takamine Pro Series P6JC. It's a particularly great guitar for solo acoustic performers who want the volume and articulation that you get from a jumbo body shape with solid spruce top and flamed maple back and sides. Part of Takamine's Pro Series 6, the P6JC is offered in the distinctive Brown Sunburst finish that you've seen on so many stages.

See below for tour dates for the Breaking Benjamin/Keith Wallen 2021 Acoustic Tour. For the latest info on Keith, see his official web site.

Nov. 30 - Portland, ME @ Aura
Dec. 02 - New Haven, CT @ Toad’s Place
Dec. 03 - Bethlehem, PA @ Wind Creek Events Center
Dec. 05 - Baltimore, MD @ Baltimore Soundstage
Dec. 07 - Jacksonville, NC @ Limelight
Dec. 08 - Charleston, SC @ Charleston Music Hall
Dec. 10 - Myrtle Beach, SC @ House Of Blues
Dec. 11 - Greensboro, NC @ Piedmont Hall
Dec. 13 - Philadelphia, PA @ Brooklyn Bowl
Dec. 15 - Poughkeepsie, NY @ The Chance
Dec. 17 - Huntington, NY @ The Paramount
Dec. 18 - Waterloo, NY @ The Vine @ Del Lago Casino