Stimulated emission pumping (SEP) spectroscopy has been used to examine a low energy region (E(vib) approximately 4400 cm(-1)) of &Xtilde;(1)Sigma(+)(g) acetylene at higher resolution than was possible in previous dispersed fluorescence studies. The expected bright state, nu(2) + 4nu(4), is observed to be coupled to the nearly degenerate 7nu(4) state by a Coriolis mechanism. A least-squares analysis yields values for zero-order vibrational energies, rotational constants, and a Coriolis-coupling coefficient that are all consistent with expectations. Calculated relative intensities of SEP transitions, accounting for interference due to axis-switching effects, are also consistent with observations. Implications of the observed Coriolis resonance with regard to global acetylene vibrational dynamics are also discussed. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.