A novel high-frequency electron spin resonance (ESR) spectrometer is described. The features are high sensitivity, a continuously tunable operating frequency of 40–60 GHz, a cylindrical cavity with a novel coupling scheme, and simultaneous detection of absorption and dispersion. A radio frequency coil can be integrated into the cavity for electron nuclear double resonance (ENDOR) experiments. ESR and ENDOR spectra of a test sample are presented in order to demonstrate in particular the scientific potential of a variable-frequency spectrometer. ©1998 American Institute of Physics.