( JPEG format )The most common type of saz. A folk instrument used in accompaniment of a broad range of vocal and dance styles. It is held horizontally with the body on the right knee, and is plucked with a small plastic plectrum (originally one of cherry bark was used) held in the right hand. As the thumb of the left hand is used for pressing down the strings, the thin neck is virtually gripped in the palm. At times the fingers of the right hand are used to strike the strings and body of the instrument simultaneously. The frets are movable so that microtonal adjustments of tuning can be made.