I do live in a terrace house so I only got a wall seperating me from my neighbours. And oddly enough they've not complained once. They must like it, or they're deaf. But I like the first one better. As for the cramp thing, yeah that should pass as you get more used to it. If it doesnt I would contemplate getting a Les Paul, as the neck is wider. A second hand Epiphone shouldnt cost too much, plus they sound really cool, I live by 'em. I also say this thing in a mag where you put all five fingers together at the tips and put an elastic band round 'em and open your fingers, it helps you develop ur finger muscles, so that might help with the cramp.