Re: Reverb a must for cleans?...
Reverb is the most overused effect of all time, but not by me. I think reverb just makes a rig sound fake, and clutters up the mix. I use a delay for slapback only if the song calls for it, and a lot of delay for rhythmic stuff (ie U2 or Police). Both are effects, not always-on parts of my sound. I haven't owned an amp with reverb (nor a reverb pedal) since 1980...
Until recently when I got into surf guitar. Since it's just for fun, I'm not going whole-hog authentic on a Fender amp with outboard tube/spring reverb tank. I'm making due with a Peavey Bandit 65 which has plenty of reverb wetness for surf (though it does sound a bit congested). So, I will allow that reverb is necessary for surf guitar.