JL: Ronnie, this is François. François makes my mouthpieces.
RC: Ho yeah!? ——- Is this wood? ——-
FL: Indeed.
RC: Does it last?
FL: If you take care of it.
RC: Hum ——- Hum ——-

We staid in contact. Bob Berg also told you about the solid silver mouthpiece I made for his Tenor and let you play it. You were more interested in a “long lasting” material! Finally, you decided to place an order late ‘89/ early’90. We exchanged talks on the phone to determine the most convenient specifications for your playing.

I got a call:
RC: Do I talk to François Louis?
FL: Yes.
RC: This is Ronnie, ——- Ronnie Cuber. I got the mouthpiece, ——- by the mail, ——- two days ago. I plaid it, ——- I liked it. I plaid it again today and I liked it more. I think this is a good mouthpiece.

A month later, I got a call again:
RC: Do I talk to François Louis? This is Ronnie Cuber. Do you think you can make another mouthpiece exactly the same?
FL: You know, two mouthpieces exactly the same doesn’t exist. I can make another one very close to it.

We met again in Paris, you were playing with Ernie Wilkins Big Band. In the lobby of your hotel, you got the new mouthpiece and went in your room by yourself to play test it. You came down 40 minutes later.
RC: François, I have never plaid two mouthpieces that close!

Since that day, you staid in contact most each time you came and play in EU. We met many times.
I’m honored you kept that deep connection among us. You were such a special player, with soul and beauty combined with this permanent furry, like you were on a mission. I’m sure you saved some souls!