In reply to arch:
Find a local supplier who roasts their own beans. I use www.workhousecoffee.co.uk run by a chap called Greg who has been roasting about 12 years now. They sell on-line I think. If you are near Reading they do tasting sessions which they publicise on FB.
I prefer south american beans but the african beans have distinct flavours and are worth a try.
Simple gravity cup top filters with decent beans which are well roasted is great. No moving parts, nothing to scale up or break, light and can be carried easily when camping or on planes. Unbleached filter papers.
Mainstream commercial roasters do very dark roasts and (I believe) don't let their roasters cool down so you end up with very 'burnt' beans. Americans favour blonde roast and most local roasters to small batch lighter roast beans which aren't blonde but also aren't dark roasted. Local companies will definitely grind beans for you.
If you can't find a local roaster then try Starbucks (I know I can't believe I'm recommending them either!!) as they do sell blonde roasted beans in packets in their stores. They will grind it for you when you buy it - but only if you're desperate.
A darker roast is more bitter and also experiment with the temperature of the water as slightly cooled water makes a difference.