Shudraga or Shanz
The Shudraga or Shanz is a Mongolian three stringed
fretless lute. It has a circular wooden frame with a snakeskin covering
stretched over both faces. The Shanz is used to accompany folk song and in
Mongolian music ensembles. It can also be used to accompany the biylegee dance
in the west of Mongolia.
The Shanz strings are made of Nylon (used to be
silk) and are plucked with a plectrum traditionally made of wood or plastic and
looks remarkably like a pen top.