NiCuZn ferrites are widely employed for many electronic applications, but can be replaced by MgCuZn ferrites owing to their superior properties like low magnetostriction, environmental stability, low stress sensitivity and low cost. In view of this, a series of non-stoichiometric MgCuZn ferrites (Mg 0.5-xCuxZn0.5Fe1.9O 4-δ with x = 0.0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.25) have been successfully synthesized by both conventional and microwave sintering techniques. The non-stoichiometry was intentionally introduced into the ferrites to ensure high resistivity of the samples. X-ray diffraction patterns confirm the single phase spinel structure in both cases. The elemental composition of these ferrites was analysed by energy-dispersive x-ray spectrometry. The samples sintered by the microwave technique were found to be denser than the conventionally sintered samples. The initial permeability of MgCuZn ferrites was studied with an increase in copper concentration from x = 0.0 to 0.25. The temperature variation of the initial permeability of these samples was carried out from 30 °C to 150 °C. The results are discussed in the light of microstructure variations of the conventionally and microwave sintered samples. The phenomena involved in microwave sintering are also discussed. © 2009 IOP Publishing Ltd.