2-Colour REMPI and ZEKE-PFI spectra of the 4-amino-3-ethylbenzonitrile (EtABN) molecule are reported for the first time. EtABN S-1 <- So 0(0)(0) transition is located at 33 578 cm(-1), and its adiabatic ionisation threshold, as determined by ZEKE-PFI spectroscopy is 64 799 +/- 4 cm(-1). A comparison with the spectra of 4-aminobenzonitrile (ABN) shows that the ethyl substituent gives rise to a rich spectroscopy, mainly involving the Ph-Et rocking mode. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.