The uses of microcoils and WURST pulses for acquiring ultra-wideline (UW) NMR spectra of half-integer quadrupolar nuclei are explored. Using large rf field strengths or frequency-swept pulses, UW spectra ( breadth > 300 kHz) can be acquired without changing the transmitter frequency. The efficiency of UWNMR spectroscopy improves for both microcoil and WURST pulse experiments compared to rectangular-pulse experiments using a 4.0 mm coil. Microcoils are also used to acquire UW spectra of an unreceptive nucleus (Zr-91) and a spectrum comprised of both central and satellite transitions (Co-59). (C) 2008 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.