Traditional Mongolian Musical Instrument Shanz with Modern Twist Mongolian Tune - "Sandy Desert". Have you been before the "Gobi Desert"? The instrument "Shanz" is a long-necked spiked lute with an oval wooden frame with snake skin covering stretched over both faces. The three strings are fixed to a bar, which is inserted in the body. The instrument is struck or plucked with a plectrum made of horn or with the fingers. As the tones do not echo, every note is struck several times.