# Rhonda Smith's Unforgettable Bass

> Rhonda Smith's unique bass sound, borrowed from Gary Grainger, defines her new supergroup The Power of 3.
- Title: Rhonda Smith's Unforgettable Bass · Guitar World | Shortify
- Summary: Rhonda Smith's unique bass sound, borrowed from Gary Grainger, defines her new supergroup The Power of 3. Rhonda Smith borrowed Gary Grainger's PRS bass…
- Keywords: rhonda smith, gary grainger, prs bass, the power of 3, orianthi, cindy blackman santana, super group, bass guitar, Rhonda, Smith's, Unforgettable, Bass
- Source: Guitar World — https://guitarworld.com/artists/bassists/rhonda-smith-opens-up-about-her-new-supergroup-with-cindy-blackman-and-orianthi
- Published: 2026-10-11T14:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: rhonda smith, gary grainger, prs bass, the power of 3, orianthi, cindy blackman santana, super group, bass guitar
## Rhonda Smith's Bass Collection
Rhonda Smith owns 26 or 27 bass guitars, including Fenders and acoustics.

> I own 26 or 27 bass guitars, everything from Fenders to 6-strings and acoustics.
## Borrowed Bass Connection
Smith borrowed Gary Grainger's PRS bass, which she never returned, for its unique sound.

> It wasn't actually made for me. The first one, my baby, Tequila Sunrise, was Gary Grainger's personal bass.
## Bass History
Smith borrowed the bass from PRS in Burbank, where they had a showroom at Center Staging.

> At the time, I went to Burbank because PRS had a showroom at Center Staging.
## The Power of 3
Smith formed a supergroup with Orianthi and Cindy Blackman Santana for their December 11 album release.

> Now, that unmistakable bass tone has played a key role in shaping the sound of The Power of 3.
## Studio Recording Process
The group recorded everything live with minimal overdubbing, using vintage equipment and analog recording.

> We cut everything live, all three of us together, and did minimal overdubbing.
## Live Experience
The group's live shows are powerful, with a focus on inspiring younger women through rock and roll.

> Live, it's powerful. I think it's a one-of-a-kind thing to see. People follow by example.
## Prince's Influence
Prince taught Smith about music ownership, business, and respecting the music.

> Prince was a great teacher. He was a hard teacher, but he believed in perfection in a world where perfection doesn't always exist.
## Future Plans
The group will release their self-titled album on December 11 and tour globally.

> We're having a great time. Our self-titled album is coming out December 11.
## Why This Bass?
Smith says the borrowed bass has a sound none of her other basses have, making it unique.

> This one bass has a sound that none of my other basses have.
## Key takeaway

Rhonda Smith borrowed Gary Grainger's PRS bass, which she never returned, for her new supergroup The Power of 3 with Orianthi and Cindy Blackman Santana.