Fe-Cu-V-Si-B nanocrystalline ribbons can be prepared using a melt-spinning technique without annealing processes. An appropriate addition of Cu improves the nucleation of -Fe(Si) in as-spun Fe 74:5Àx Cu x V 3 Si 13:5 B 9 ribbons. There is an optimal Cu content, about x ¼ 2:5, for obtaining largest permeability and lowest magnetostriction in as-spun Fe 74:5Àx Cu x V 3 Si 13:5 B 9 ribbons. The permeability value (about 2:4 Â 10 4 ) of as-spun Fe 72 Cu 2:5 V 3 Si 13:5 B 9 (x ¼ 2:5) is much larger than that of Fe 73:5 Cu 1 V 3 Si 13:5 B 9 annealed ribbons, due to the grain size of -Fe(Si) for the former (12 nm) smaller than the later (41 nm). The smaller grain size of -Fe(Si) for as-spun ribbon Fe 72 Cu 2:5 V 3 Si 13:5 B 9 may be attributed to the refinement effect of Cu and the effect of high wheel speed in melt-spinning processes. Meanwhile, we have suggested that the capability of an element expelled from -Fe(Si) and partitioned in the remaining amorphous phase is connected with the refinement of -Fe(Si) grains. Based on Darken-Gurry solid solubility model, we have derived that the grain size of -Fe(Si) reduces in order of Ta > Nb > Mo > W > V > Cr, which agrees to the experimental data very well. In addition, the DO 3 ordered superstructure of -Fe(Si) is observed in as-spun Fe 74:5Àx Cu x V 3 Si 13:5 B 9 ribbons, however it seems that the ordered degree of -Fe(Si) grain is not a criterion for obtaining strong soft magnetic properties.