I am currently looking to purchase a either 44.5 or 45 inch console/studio from either Kawai or Yamaha, can someone offer me some suggestions on which brand is better. Which one has less problem later down the road. Kawai is using ABS for the action, is this reliable than wood. Kawai claims that ABS will survive better under different humidity, is it true? What are the price range for two brands?

I must say that I like the sound of Yamaha much better than Kawai. But I'm a pop musician, most classical pianists don't like Yamaha at all. To me Kawai sounds very, very boring whereas Yamaha's have a very full, clear and loud tone that is a lot more expressive.
However, I did hear some horror stories on the durabillity and that you can't intonate Yamaha's because of the rather short tone.
Judging on sound I would go with yamaha, for my music at least. They may not be suited for most styles, but they are perfect for others. However, they do lack the soul of great German pianos.
But Kawai is just totally uninspiring to me.

The classic Yamaha vs. Kawai debate. Right now I own a Yamaha (although switching to Steinway). My teachers have owned Kawais. Basically Yamahas are bright, loud, and crisp. Kawais are relatively softer, warmer, and mellower. It really depends on your preference. Both have clean, smooth actions. Price point is about the same: a Yamaha 45" P22 console starts retail for $5,795 according to Blue Book of Pianos. Kawai 46" UST-8 console starts around $6,395.

Beginner,

Try posting your question in the Piano Forum HERE . You will likely get more responses that way.

As for your "Yamaha or Kawai" question, while I believe in ABS' merit, I do not think ABS alone should drive a purchase decision. Plus, both Yamaha and Kawai make many different lines of pianos at different price points -- so it would be best to quote actual model name/number if you want good answers from people.

Good luck!

Kawai's will hold there duralibity a lot longer than a yamaha. I have owned both and am a very involved player. I play concertos, and a lot of classical music. Kawai has lasted a lot longer than Yamaha or Steinway.

Not to mention, Kawai's are purposely more mellow. As a piano ages, it will become more brighter. A 10 year old Kawai will be more brighter than a new one. Yamaha's are rather bright when they are new, so you can only imagine what happens to the piano as it ages, It will be untollerable.