Purchasing a bass in usa, online or music store? Advice for a foreigner

[unohoo]

Hi guys

I'm not sure whether this is the right topic under which to place this, but here it is..

I will be travelling to america soon for work, where I will be spending 5 days in kentucky (mostly small mining towns) and
2-3 days in Florida. I will also be in atlanta for half a day or so.

I want to purchase a bass guitar while in the US, as they seem to be quite a lot cheaper there than in my country (south africa). I'm still very much a beginner (have played guitar for several years) so I'm not quite sure what to buy yet. Price range between $200-$400, was thinking maybe a epiphone SG.

My question is, would I (in general) find a better deal online compared to a music store? As I've never been to any of these places, I have no idea where to go looking in the limited time I have. The online option thus seems more attractive, if i can have the guitar delivered in time.

Sooo basically I am just seeking advice from some americans, what do you figure would be the best thing to do? Any suggestions for shops
or specific guitars? I am considering 2nd hand as well.

Thanks for the help