Sherlock Holmes and That Violin

Violins are associated with genius. Consequently, Holmes is often given one. Even Elementary--which managed to squash the opera-loving aspect of Holmes--gave him a violin, though it is rarely referenced after Season 1. 

Data plays a violin as Holmes on the holodeck in Star Trek: The Next Generation and also as himself (see "Sarek"). And so on and so forth. Violins are perceived as the quintessential "is that person SMART or what?!" indicator. 

The motif has, of course, been spoofed--Holmes who are actually playing record players and, also from Elementary, Holmes who play other instruments, like bugles. 

My absolute favorite example, however, comes from My Roommate is a Detective. Lu Yao isn't playing the violin because he can play. He is scratching away at it to wake up and annoy his roommate.