The instrument fits into Iranian traditions of bowed instruments that include the Classical kemençe or kamancheh and ghaychak fiddles.[1] The instrument has a mechanism for changing the instrument's tone; a pad made of leather, or leather and wood sits between the bridge and the soundboard.[1] The instrument is played in the same manner as the kamancheh, held upright on the players lap.[1]
Shahnaz ensemble, accompanied by M. R. Shajarian, has held its concert from Oct. 9 to 13, 2008 in Tehran featuring Sorahi.