Easy question -- If I replace the neck plate (no other changes) , is a setup then required?

No, just a re-string maybe.

Though you can get round that by slackening the strings right off then capo'ing the first fret.
Whatever you do, them strings need to be slack before you touch the neck screws.

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No no and no

If the neck was replaced in exactly the same spot, no. If the neck was reinstalled off-kilter, you should readjust the neck angle to where it was when you took the neck off unless that setup wasn't perfect.

When a neck is installed crooked, it will sharpen and flatten notes at the nut that you won't be able to correct until the neck is set perfectly straight.

Check the intonation at the first, twelfth, and last fret to check neck angle. Everything should be relatively even at the nut when the the saddles are set to the correct length for the twelfth fret. If the first fret goes way sharp on the low e, way flat on the high e, the neck is angled to high on low e side, and visa versa. Adjust the neck till everything is relatively the same across the first fret, twelfth fret, and last fret!

Thanks guys. I replaced the neck plate -- no problems and the setup is same as before.

Typically you won't have to reset up the guitar as long as the release of neck pressue didn't cause it to shift. Sounds like you figured that out already.

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"Epitaph on a blues musician’s tombstone: “I didn’t wake up this morning”" Davy Knowles


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